Sydney, Australia – A second man has been charged with murder over the fatal shooting of Tongan-Australian man Alai Ahio during an alleged ambush at a Canley Heights home in May.
Ahio, 28, was among five men allegedly attacked at a house on Arbutus Street on May 19. He arrived at Liverpool Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound but died shortly afterwards, while four other men sought treatment for injuries at Liverpool and Fairfield hospitals.
NSW Police said detectives arrested the latest accused, a 37-year-old man, at Silverwater at about 10.40am on Tuesday following further investigations by Strike Force Valko.
The man, identified in Australian media as Mahmoud Atwa, was charged with murder, possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, and participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity.
He was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before Bail Division Local Court on Wednesday.
Police said a 32-year-old man injured in the May attack was treated for a neck injury and remained in a serious but stable condition at the time.
Two other men, aged 23 and 22, presented at Fairfield Hospital in serious condition, while a 19-year-old man later arrived at Liverpool Hospital with an arm injury.
A 23-year-old man, identified in court reporting as Rishi Prakash, was arrested at Sydney International Airport in July and charged with murder and two counts of possessing an unauthorised pistol. He remains before the courts.
Australian media have described Ahio as a former associate of the Sydney drill-rap group OneFour. There is no suggestion that the group or the other victims were involved in the alleged attack.
Police said investigations into the shooting under Strike Force Valko were continuing. The National Tribune
