The man who was shot dead in a terrifying “targeted” home invasion in Sydney’s southwest has been identified.
Student Marco Tapia, 23,was found with a gunshot wound at Mount Sugarloaf Drive in Glen Alpine about 3.40am on Tuesday.
Initial reports suggest he was in his bed at the time of the shooting.
Police were told the unknown intruders had fled the scene a short time before officers arrived.
Mr Tapia could not be saved and died at the scene.
The 23-year-old is believed to have been studying Biomedical Engineering and, in 2024, had graduated with a Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences.
Police said he had no known gang affiliations and was only known to authorities for traffic offences.
A neighbour told 7News they saw three men in black balaclavas running from the scene shortly after the shooting.
It is not yet known how many people were inside the house at the time of the home invasion.
Acting Superintendent Gretchin Atkins said police were treating the incident as targeted.
“A young man has lost his life today, and that’s obviously just tragic,” she said.
Shortly after the shooting, the alleged leader of the Sydney gang Coconut Cartel, Iziah Utai, shared a post on his Instagram story on Tuesday morning, seemingly referring to the Glen Alpine shooting.
“Popped the wrong person,” the post read.
“Didn’t even get the right house.”
Superintendent Atkins said police were investigating Mr Utai’s post.
“We’re aware of those online social media posts, and everything is under consideration,” she said.
NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said the fatal shooting was “just tragic”.
“Gangland war is out of control on our streets in Sydney,” she said.
“50 shootings this year alone. It’s terrifying. This is Sydney, not Colombia.
“We’ve seen a situation with a 23-year-old shot dead in his bed overnight. A grandfather was kidnapped and murdered. People are being shot at in front of Sydney schools.”
A large crime scene has been established as officers comb through the evidence.
Police escorted distraught family members from the house while emotional friends and loved ones gathered at the scene.
“There were family who were home, and they’re assisting us, and they’re very, very helpful,” Superintendent Atkins said.
She said police were “reassuring the public that it is a targeted attack”.
“It’s certainly not something that anybody would want to be occurring,” Superintendent Atkins said.
“We are just encouraging anybody as well … if they see somebody or something that is suspicious, if they have any concerns, they contact triple 0.
“For the locals and residents in this area, (if) they saw anything in the lead-up, to also please contact Crime Stoppers and let us know.
“Any small piece of information is what we may get the break that we’re actually looking for.”
The State Crime Command homicide squad has been called in to assist in the investigation.
Anybody with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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