Police Investigate Two Separate Fatal Shootings in Melbourne Suburbs

Victoria Police are investigating two unrelated fatal shootings that occurred in different Melbourne suburbs over the past week. One incident in Ascot Vale has claimed the life of a former professional boxer, while a second shooting in Box Hill has resulted in three arrests.

Fatal Shooting in Ascot Vale

Incident Details

On Sunday morning at approximately 12:15 AM, emergency services responded to a report of a shooting on North Street in Ascot Vale. A man, identified by multiple sources as Hussein Dehaini, was found with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Crime Scene and Investigation

Police established a large crime scene that included North Street and Mount Alexander Road. Security camera footage recorded three loud bangs shortly after midnight. Evidence indicated that initial shots were fired on Mount Alexander Road. A trail of blood was observed leading from Mount Alexander Road to North Street. Police have not yet determined the exact location where the man was fatally injured.

Detectives inspected a black Ford Ranger ute parked on Mangalore Street. The shooter is reported to have fled in a vehicle last seen heading north on North Street. No arrests have been made.

"A trail of blood was observed leading from Mount Alexander Road to North Street."

Victim's Background

Hussein Dehaini was a professional boxer with an undefeated record from 2014 to 2019, competing in 11 bouts. He was known to police and was arrested in 2023 as part of an Echo Taskforce investigation and charged with firearm possession. One source reported that Mr. Dehaini was associated with the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang. Another source stated he had links to the Haddara crime family and was allegedly involved in extortion and illicit tobacco.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Fatal Shooting in Box Hill

Incident Details

Police, ambulance, and firefighters responded to a report of an altercation at apartment tower 3, 851 Whitehorse Road in Box Hill shortly before 2:00 AM on Thursday. A 32-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police are treating the incident as a targeted shooting.

Emergency Response

Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the building at approximately 1:30 AM following the activation of a fire alarm. Residents of the apartment tower were initially evacuated and later permitted to return. Residents reported hearing a loud bang or gunshots; one resident indicated the sound originated from the 11th floor. Footage from outside the tower showed emergency services engaging with individuals on the street and forensic officers at the scene.

"Police believe a fight occurred inside an apartment on level 11."

Arrests

Police arrested three individuals in connection with the shooting. The suspects include two 47-year-old men from Bonnie Brook and a 27-year-old woman from Maryborough. The arrests were made late Wednesday night in the Talbot, Maryborough, and Bonnie Brook areas.

Investigation

Homicide squad detectives are investigating. Police believe a fight occurred inside an apartment on level 11. The man has not yet been formally identified.

Police are requesting anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.