Vic: Neighbours shocked by front yard fatal shooting

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2005
Vic: Neighbours shocked by front yard fatal shooting

By Melissa Jenkins

MELBOURNE, April 22 AAP - The fatal shooting of a man in his front yard in Melbourne's
north last night has rocked a quiet suburban street.

Amir Heshmaty, who went by the aliases Jeff, Jim and Andre, was found critically injured
by a next door neighbour in the front yard of his Landells Street, Pascoe Vale home just
after 9pm (AEST).

Paramedics tried to revive the 43-year-old, but he died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
a short time later.

Homicide Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Charlie Bezzina said a weapon had been found
but refused to disclose further details.

He said there were some items found that suggested an altercation began inside the
house before Mr Heshmaty was found in the front yard.

"A vehicle was heard to leave shortly after the shots were heard," he told reporters.

"Whether that was a neighbour's vehicle or actually the offender, we don't know even
how many offenders were involved."

Det Sen Sgt Bezzina said neighbours heard voices before the volley of shots.

Neighbour Mohamed Farej said his wife heard some loud bangs last night but thought
they were firecrackers.

"You don't expect it in this street, there's kids everywhere around here - it's just
shocking," he said.

"Cars flying up and down, but that's probably just about the worst problem that we've got here.

"But other than that, you know, you just look around, everyone's friendly here."

Mr Farej said he was shocked by the tragedy.

"I would see him, he was a very quiet type of guy, kept to himself," he said.

Det Sen Sgt Bezzina said at this stage it was unknown whether the killing was a random
or calculated attack.

He said Mr Heshmaty, who had moved to Australia from Iran four years ago, had no family
here and said anyone who knew him should contact police.

"We are also keen to speak to a chap that lived with him by the name of Robert, who
left here some three weeks ago," he said.

"We are not suggesting at all that he's involved, we just need to speak to him to get
some background information on the deceased, which may assist us and give us that break
we are looking for."

AAP mj/ce/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: HESHMATY NIGHTLEAD (PIX AVAILABLE)

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