Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fifth man with murder as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of Vergel Velasquez in Sydney's west last year.
About 4pm on Monday 30 December 2019, emergency services were called to a unit block on Mia Mia Street, Girraween, following reports a group of men had been involved in a physical altercation.
Upon arrival, officers located a man with severe head injuries in the stairwell of the complex.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition, where he died from his injuries about 5.20pm the following day (Tuesday 31 December 2019).
The man has since been formally identified as 42-year-old Vergel Velasquez.
Inquiries into the incident were commenced by officers from Cumberland Police Area Command before detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Brallo.
As part of ongoing inquiries, officers executed search warrants at units at Granville and homes at Moree earlier this year.
So far during the investigation, four men – aged 41, 42, 49 and 50 – have been charged. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, strike force officers arrested a 39-year-old man at Lidcombe about 1.30pm yesterday (Monday 29 June 2020).
He was taken to Granville Police Station and charged with murder.
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 30 June 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Brallo are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Brallo investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
