Joshua MacDonald, a 40-year-old tradesman, died in what his family described as a "cold-blooded murder" after shielding two young girls from gunfire outside a western Sydney home. The incident is believed to be a suspected gangland shooting with a potential case of mistaken identity.
MacDonald was walking to a residence on Bruce Street in Merrylands West on Wednesday afternoon when assailants in a stolen Audi sedan opened fire, fatally shooting him in the head. Police have stated that MacDonald, an electrical contractor, had no ties to organized crime and was visiting the home of his best friend, Nick Brown.
According to MacDonald's aunt and uncle, Darlene and Trevor Norton, MacDonald intervened as Brown and his two daughters were arriving home from school. "That's Joshua all over. If he'd known those kids were in danger, (or if) anyone was in danger, he'd put himself in front (of them)," Ms. Norton told 7News.
Nick Brown, in a text message shared by the Nortons, referred to MacDonald as his children's and his own guardian angel. "I am forever grateful for this beautiful soul," the message read.
This shooting occurred the day after another fatal incident in Sydney. On Tuesday, Marco Tapia, 23, was fatally shot in his bedroom during a home invasion in Glen Alpine, near Campbelltown. Police are investigating whether these two shootings, which occurred within the same week, are linked and potentially cases of mistaken identity.
Authorities have not made any arrests in connection with either killing. Detectives are reportedly exploring whether the incidents, which may involve mistaken targets, were orchestrated from overseas and carried out by local young offenders. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon acknowledged that investigations are complicated by the involvement of overseas-based criminals but emphasized that the offenders are operating locally. "I need people to understand there are serious consequences for each and every one of these offences, and we won't rest until we put them before the court," Lanyon stated. He added that police presence would be increased in Sydney's southwest.
The family of Joshua MacDonald has questioned the adequacy of police efforts. "Their car was sitting there for 90 minutes. If they (police) already knew that these people next door were being targeted, (then) they had a target on their shoulders. Why weren't they patrolling those streets?" Ms. Norton asked, suggesting more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley, however, maintained that the situation is "under control" and that police are managing gun violence. "I do not accept this is out of control... we will not surrender our streets to organised crime gangs," Catley said, noting a new criminal model is emerging in Sydney. "Let's be honest here... this is very challenging. Police are doing everything they can."
CCTV footage captured the moment MacDonald was shot, showing a gunman leaning from the rear window of a gray Audi sedan as it drove past the residence. The offenders remain at large. MacDonald is remembered by his family as a kind-hearted and hardworking individual. His last communication with his aunt was a text message on his birthday, days before his death, expressing anticipation for their next meeting.