A 27-year-old Melbourne plumber who was reportedly just weeks away from getting married has been identified as the man shot dead during a confrontation in Thomastown, as homicide detectives hunt for those responsible.
Daniel Hussein was fatally shot in the chest near HR Uren Reserve on Victoria Drive in Melbourne’s north shortly after 7.30 pm on Sunday, September 6.
Victoria Police confirmed emergency services were called following reports a man had been shot outside a Victoria Drive property. Despite attempts to revive him, he died at the scene. No arrests had been made as of Monday morning.
The Herald Sun has since identified the victim as Hussein, whose devastated family says he was a hardworking plumber preparing to get married within weeks.
Early accounts suggest the fatal shooting followed a confrontation around the car park of HR Uren Reserve.
Hussein had been at the reserve with friends and may have been attempting to assist a friend who was involved in a dispute.
A nearby resident told the newspaper they noticed a black SUV enter the car park around the time of the incident before hearing shouting and a heated confrontation.
The witness said Hussein jumped onto the bonnet of the vehicle as it attempted to leave and kicked at the bonnet and headlights.
It remains unclear precisely when during the confrontation Hussein was shot.
The witness said Hussein managed to move towards the footpath before collapsing.
Another witness living opposite the reserve reportedly heard a gunshot and went outside, where Hussein was found critically injured.
Two friends who were with him called emergency services, while a family member arrived shortly afterwards.
Despite desperate attempts to save him, Hussein could not be revived.
Victoria Police initially said the victim had not been formally identified when announcing the Homicide Squad investigation on Sunday night.
The killing has devastated Hussein’s family.
His father, Taleb, visited the scene on Monday morning and told the Herald Sun his son worked as a plumber and was due to be married in just a few weeks.
Hussein’s uncle, Abdallah Hussein, also paid an emotional tribute to his nephew, describing the pain of losing him as beyond words.
The death has sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, with witnesses describing chaotic and distressing scenes as Hussein’s friends and family desperately called out to him after the shooting.
Homicide Squad detectives are now trying to establish the circumstances leading to the confrontation, including who fired the fatal shot and what prompted the dispute.
As of Monday morning, police had announced no arrests.
Police have appealed particularly for CCTV and dashcam footage that may have captured people or vehicles around Victoria Drive and the surrounding Thomastown area before or after the shooting.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV, dashcam footage or other information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not publicly identified a suspect or announced a motive.
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