Five people, including four 17-year-old boys, have been charged with the alleged murder and kidnapping of a relative of a bikie club president.
Police allege the group broke into Patrick Longordo’s South Morang house on May 15 about 3am, and dragged him out of his home and into a waiting car.
The group then allegedly murdered Longordo and dumped his body in a park in Tarneit, an hour’s drive away, at about 4.30am.
Police also allege the vehicle used to abduct Longordo was set on fire on Mt Mary Road in Eynesbury later that morning. Longordo is the relative of a former long-time Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang chapter president, and was known to police.
Two children and another man were inside the home at the time of the attack but were not physically injured.
Investigators on Wednesday morning executed eight search warrants at homes in Melbourne’s outer-west, including Wyndham Vale, Mambourin, Werribee and Tarneit.
“Special Operations Group members took a 23-year-old Truganina man into custody at his home address,” a police spokesperson said.
“Also taken into custody were four 17-year-old boys and one 18-year-old man.”
The 17-year-olds and 23-year-old were all charged with murder, kidnapping, aggravated home invasion and criminal damage by fire.
The 18-year-old man from Point Cook was charged with assisting offenders and criminal damage by fire.
The 23-year-old and 18-year-old will face a magistrates’ court on Thursday morning, while the four 17-year-old boys will front a children’s court.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has vision or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Angus Delaney is a reporter at The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31Connect via email.