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Jury Convicts Two Men in Melbourne Café Killing of Gavin Preston

Jurors accepted evidence from DNA plus phone traces that linked the men to masks and getaway cars.

Overview

  • A Victorian Supreme Court jury found Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, guilty of murdering Gavin Preston and attempting to murder Abbas "AJ" Maghnie.
  • The shooting took place outside Sweet Lulu's cafe in Keilor in September 2023, when two masked men opened fire, killing Preston and wounding Maghnie.
  • Prosecutors said the attack was a planned contract hit that used several stolen getaway cars placed near the cafe.
  • Trial evidence included DNA from two black balaclavas, a glove, and three getaway cars that investigators said were linked to the escape.
  • Sentencing will occur at a later date, and Victoria Police continue to investigate who ordered the killing.