Athan Boursinos, 21, was gunned down outside his family home in Wollert, Melbourne’s north, on Thursday morning in what police have described as a “deliberate and targeted” attack.
Mr Boursinos, believed to have been affiliated with tobacco boss Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, was leaving his Champions Parade home around 9am when he was ambushed by a gunman. He died at the scene.
Neighbours reported hearing up to eight gunshots fired over approximately 20 seconds, just 100 metres from the Korin Korin Child and Family Centre. The attacker fled in a vehicle later found torched in Reservoir’s Amery Drive.
Police confirmed Mr Boursinos was known to them and had been due to appear in court that morning, facing charges relating to drugs, weapons, theft, and driving offences. He was also scheduled to appear again next month on separate charges.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad said, “It appears very deliberate and targeted,” and urged anyone with dashcam footage or who saw anything suspicious to come forward.
A large crime scene was established, with forensic officers combing nearby Game Lane and surrounding streets.
Mr Boursinos’ body lay beside a silver BMW with shattered glass, as grieving family members, including his girlfriend and father – a retired Victoria Police officer – spoke with detectives.
“Please just let me see him,” Mr Boursinos’ girlfriend was heard pleading with police, visibly distraught.
The killing adds to a spate of violent incidents linked to Melbourne’s underworld. Police are investigating whether Boursinos’ murder could provoke further retaliation.
Source: Herald Sun
