Tributes flow for innocent uni student killed in suspected mistaken-identity hit
A grieving community has rallied around the family of an innocent university student who was gunned down in a suspected mistaken-identity underworld hit.
Police confirmed that Marco Tapia, 23, had no criminal ties after he was shot dead inside his Glen Alpine home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Marco Tapia was a UTS biomedical engineering student. LinkedIn
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley condemned the brazen attack, describing it as shocking, as the community bands around the family of the 23-year-old.
“What we have seen play out on our streets in Sydney this week is absolutely shocking,” she said.
Friends and family of Marco Tapia continue to pay their respects, as floral tributes grow outside the family’s Glen Alpine home in Sydney’s south-west.
Members of the local MMA community have also paid tribute, remembering the teenager as a good person and a dedicated athlete.
Detectives believe it was a targeted and meticulously planned attack by Sydney’s underworld, but they think the hitmen targeted the wrong man.
One of the alleged leaders of the Coconut Cartel gang took to social media after the death, seemingly referring to the shooting in a post that read “Popped the wrong person, didn’t even get the right house”.
Police confirmed they have been made aware of the social media post.
On Wednesday, they posted again on social media, stating “RIP MARCO”.
“#InnocentVictim,” the post said.
“May the oppressors and Tyrants fall.”
Police said the young man had a clean record. Supplied
Police say Utai, who used to associate with the Alameddine family, is now living overseas after falling out with the group.
The Glen Alpine home remains an active crime scene, as police scour the scene for crucial evidence.
“The fact that what appears to be an innocent life was taken yesterday is something that no community should accept, and no community should live in fear of violence,” NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
‘Didn’t deserve this’
Tapia’s family was home at the time of the shooting and have been “very helpful” in assisting police.
They said their son was “innocent” and “didn’t deserve this”.
Police have since seized a Mazda that was dumped on a bridge in nearby Airds, which they said could potentially be linked to the shooting.
Floral tributes have grown outside the south-west Sydney home. Supplied
Tapia was a biomedical engineering student at the University of Technology Sydney and a volunteer with Engineers Without Borders UTS, according to his professional LinkedIn page.
The promising student posted frequently about his volunteering experience and engagement in student life.
“My leadership experience in school and youth programs reflects my commitment to empowering others,” Tapia wrote on LinkedIn.
His Linkedin also showed his experience of a youth team leader at a nearby Hillsong church.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
