Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV of a group of men captured in the foyer of the apartment block two days before the murder of Kemel Barakat, NSW Police say.
Emergency services were called to a home unit on Bennett Street, Mortlake, about 2.30am on Friday 10 March 2017, following reports a man had been shot.
On arrival, police located the body of 29-year-old, Kemel Barakat. He had multiple gunshot wounds.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad established Strike Force Yarramba to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Barakat’s murder.
Their inquiries have revealed four men arrived at the unit complex in a stolen Mercedes C63 wagon shortly before 2.30am on 10 March.
The men entered the complex through a rear fire door, gained access to Mr Barakat’s unit and shot him dead, before fleeing the scene in the vehicle.
The Mercedes was later located burnt-out at Belmore.
As investigations continue, Strike Force Yarramba detectives have released CCTV of a group of men in the foyer about 3.40am on Wednesday 8 March 2017, two days before Mr Barakat’s death, as well as images of the Mercedes travelling in the area between 3am and 4am.
The Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Mark Henney said investigators believe the vision depicts a failed attempt to access Mr Barakat’s unit.
"Investigators also believe it was a paid contract killing, and the CCTV shows a group of people at the unit complex who may have information about what happened two days later," Det Ch Insp Henney said.
"This group was not able to gain access to the unit, but a group attended two days later in possession of keys and made their way into Mr Barakat’s unit.
"As I have previously said, the shooting was calculated and carried out with a fair amount of precision. It was also cowardly – we are talking about sneaking-in in the middle of the night and executing a man in bed.
"Our investigation into all the circumstances surrounding Mr Barakat’s death are ongoing, and we’d like anyone who has relevant information to get in touch," Det Ch Insp Henney said.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Yarramba investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
