Two men accused of murdering Jackson Gilmour, 29, in his home have pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 2, 2024, also resulted in the death of 19-year-old Charlyze Hayter. Both victims were shot during the home invasion at Gilmour's residence on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

Mason Matticoli, 25, and Tyler Vandesteeg, 30, were initially charged with murder but accepted a deal to plead guilty to the lesser charge. The Supreme Court of Victoria heard that it remains unclear who fired the fatal shots, but both men were aware the firearm was loaded. They had entered Gilmour's home with the intention of theft, armed with at least one loaded weapon.

The Incident

The intruders smashed windows and kicked in the front door around 4 a.m., waking Gilmour, who confronted them. His girlfriend, who was present in the home, hid in a toilet and contacted emergency services. She reported hearing Gilmour demand his belongings and a male voice threatening to kill him.

Gilmour died from a rifle shot to the chest, while Hayter, who was also part of the group that entered the home, was killed by a shotgun wound to the back of the head. The assailants fled with a duffle bag containing drugs, a wallet, keys, and a mobile phone. A third individual, Jarod Smit, has pleaded guilty to arson for setting fire to the stolen getaway car.

Victims and Family Impact

Jackson Gilmour, a qualified tradie in carpentry and plumbing, was described by his family as a loving, fun, caring, and hardworking individual who served as a role model to his four younger siblings. His father stated that his son "had his whole life ahead of him" and that he would "never see my son Jackson ever again." His mother expressed concern for the perpetrators, hoping they would "find a new way, a better way."

Hayter, identified as Gilmour's ex-partner, had contacted him that night seeking drugs, and he had indicated he could likely procure them. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Matticoli and Vandesteeg are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.