THE “sickening” attack on a Greenacre man who was ambushed and executed in front his 12-year-old outside a Sefton gym early last Thursday morning was the first of two shooting deaths in three days in neighbouring suburbs, with police shooting an armed man who threatened them in Yagoona on Sunday.THE shocking execution of Greenacre man Taha Sabbagh in front his 12-year-old son has police bracing for possible reprisal attacks.
CCTV footage showed Mr Sabbagh turning up at the gym in Carlingford Street about 6.30am and soon after his son opened the gate, the 40-year-old was set upon by a gunman who fired several shots through the windscreen before firing more through the driver’s side window – all while the boy was at the passenger’s side of the car.
Mr Sabbagh had just driven past his killer who sat in wait outside the gym for about an hour in a Mazda 3 before the attack. The car was later found burnt out in Birrong.
He suffered several gunshot wounds and despite the efforts of paramedics, died at the scene.
A worker from a nearby business said they heard a child screaming after the shooting.
“There were a lot of bullet holes in the car,” he said.
Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, said the shooting was “callous, brazen” and “shows little regard for human life”.
“It’s horrendous to think a 12-year-old boy had to witness his father being shot dead,” he said.
Supt Doherty said it was a sickening attack and called for anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
“While (the victim) was relatively not well known to police, he was associated with people who are well known to police,” he said.
“It bears the hallmarks of an organised crime-related murder.”
He said police believe the shooting was targeted, “but we are keeping an open mind”.
Tributes have been flowing for the luxury car businessman, with the Greenacre Eagles FC offering condolences to his family and friends.
A Facebook post from the club stated: “It is with great sadness and shock we announce one of our most dedicated parents, players and volunteers Taha Sabbagh has returned to his Creator. Taha was a big part of our Greenacre family and he will be remembered for his big heart, contagious laughter and love for everyone around him.”
