John Versace was a young plumber with no known links to organised crime. So why was he gunned down on his doorstep?
Detectives are piecing together how John Versace, a 23-year-old plumber and family man with no known criminal connections, came to be gunned down on his doorstep in Sydney 's south-west.
On Tuesday, police described how at 10pm the previous night Mr Versace had returned to his home on Dalton Avenue, Condell Park, where he lived with his parents and adult sisters, only to be ambushed with a hail of bullets.
CCTV from cameras attached to the home showed the gunman open fire with a Glock-style weapon - leaving Mr Versace with at least four gunshot wounds - before retreating to a hatchback Toyota Corolla and fleeing the scene, police said.
Shortly afterwards, officers were called to a car on fire in Fairfield Heights, about 11 kilometres from Mr Versace's house.
Once the flames were extinguished, a handgun was recovered from the car which police believe was the same one used to kill Mr Versace.
The shooting had all the hallmarks of a targeted gang hit, Superintendent Rodney Hart told reporters on Tuesday, and yet Mr Versace had only a traffic offence to his name - no criminal past or known ties to organised crime.
His family members did not have criminal records either, Mr Hart added.
One line of enquiry is whether or not the shooting was a case of mistaken identity.
The Versace family appeared to be orthodox Christians who had recently celebrated the lavish wedding of Mr Versace's sister, Bianca.
They have lived in their large, two-storey home in Condell Park for more than a decade.
John's social media account displayed both the Lebanese and Italian flags, suggesting mixed heritage.
Police said he worked as a plumber for his father's business.
Mr Versace's sister, Deanna Versace, issued an emotional tribute to her brother on Tuesday.
'John, no words can describe the pain we are all feeling and will continue to feel for the rest of our lives,' she wrote.
'You were the world's greatest brother, son, grandson, cousin and friend. We are so lucky and blessed to have had the time we had with you but your life was cut too short.
'You did not deserve this. You're at peace and with Jesus now. We love you so much John. Our angel forever. This world wasn't good enough for you. Life will never be the same.'
Another of his sisters, Bianca, called Mr Versace 'our baby, our pride and joy, the most innocent boy in the world'.
'I have no words. This world did not deserve you. We're going to miss that smile that lit up every room, I love you so much my angel,' she wrote.
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