Criminal Groups Squad detectives have released fresh CCTV vision of a man and of a vehicle of interest in a renewed appeal for information as investigations continue into the murder of Panania man Fares Abounader nearly two years ago.
Just before midnight on Saturday 29 August 2020, emergency services were called to Wall Avenue at Panania, following reports of shots fired and located a man suffering multiple gunshot wounds.
CPR was performed until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, the man died at the scene.
He was formally identified as 39-year-old, Fares Abounader.
The matter was referred to the State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad, who established Strike Force Manifold to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man's death.
As part of ongoing investigations, detectives have released fresh CCTV vision depicting a vehicle and person of interest and are reappealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor, said the images capture the moments before Mr Abounader was murdered outside his home, and a vehicle fire at Padstow the following day.
"Last year we released images of a white Subaru depicted in dashcam vision parked outside Mr Abounader's Wall Avenue home on the night of his death," Det Supt Taylor said.
"That car was seen traveling on Horsley Road before and after the murder, and investigations have since determined it was likely stored in a large unit complex on that road in the lead up to the shooting.
"We believe those responsible are locals with an intimate knowledge of the Panania area. Detectives are urging the community – particularly residents in the Panania area – to take a close look at the vision which may prompt fresh information.
"Police are also seeking to identify an unknown man who was wearing a white hooded-jumper and captured walking along Carew Street about 9.40pm the following evening – the time the Subaru was burnt out.
"Strike Force Manifold detectives continue to work with their counterparts at Strike Force Courier who are probing the murder of Mejid Hamzy and working off the theory the two incidents may be linked.
"I urge anyone with information regarding Mr Abounader's death to contact police – as any new leads may help resolve two brutal acts of violence that the community should not and will not tolerate," Det Supt Taylor said.
Since its inception, Strike Force Manifold detectives have arrested an 18-year-old man for his alleged role in the theft of the Subaru.
Investigations continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
