A 19-year-old Sydney man has been charged with murdering a 12-year-old boy who was shot in the face inside an apartment in Norwest, in the city’s north-west.
Isaac Bechara, who was 18 at the time, allegedly fired an illegal handgun at close range on September 21 after it was accidentally discharged. The boy was taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with gunshot wounds to his face and neck, but died three days later.
Bechara was charged with murder on Tuesday while held at Silverwater prison. He had been in custody since shortly after the shooting, when he was charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.
He did not apply for bail and is expected to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.
Police believe about 10 people were inside the apartment when the shooting occurred, including the boy’s mother, his older brother and several other 18-year-old men. Some people allegedly fled before emergency services arrived.
The handgun has not been recovered. Investigators believe it was removed from the Moda apartment complex after the shooting.
Detectives reviewed accounts from witnesses, including the boy’s mother and brother, who have co-operated with the investigation. Two other 18-year-old men who were in the apartment were arrested after the shooting but released without charge.
Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, commander of the NSW Police homicide squad, said investigators had found no evidence establishing whether the shooting was deliberate or accidental.
“We are relying on the fact that it was dangerous and reckless,” he said.
Mr Doueihi said he believed several witnesses had not been truthful. People who were in the lounge room at the time claimed they had not seen what happened, according to accounts given to police.
The boy’s father paid tribute to his son on social media, writing: “RIP my baby.” The father is a convicted cocaine dealer, while other members of the boy’s extended family are linked to organised crime and known to police.
Investigations into the shooting remain ongoing. Last week, Taskforce Falcon detectives arrested 18-year-old Reece Fakr, who police allege is a key figure in the Coconut Cartel, after identifying him through a mobile phone he allegedly left at the apartment.
Fakr, who is not related to the boy, was arrested at Sydney International Airport as he allegedly attempted to leave Australia. He has been charged with conspiracy to murder, kidnapping, arson and directing a criminal group, but not over the shooting.
He remains in custody and is expected to face court in December.
“The family are dealing with the loss of their 12-year-old son,” Mr Doueihi said. “I couldn’t imagine what they’re dealing with. Yesterday’s arrest might bring them some comfort, but they’ve got a lifetime of suffering ahead of them.”
