Video evidence presented to the court depicted Preston and his companion Abbas Maghnie seated outside Sweet Lulu’s cafe when two assailants, clad in black, emerged from a vehicle and commenced firing.
Preston succumbed to his injuries, whereas Maghnie was hit by a single shot but managed to survive the attack.
In defense, attorneys for Tito and Zahabe contended that law enforcement had accused the wrong individuals, asserting they were not the culprits responsible for the murder.
Daniel Sala, representing Tito, reasoned with the jury, questioning the logic behind employing two novices for a task of such gravity.
“Typically, you would assign someone experienced and knowledgeable,” he emphasized during his final remarks.
Sala suggested that the jury could infer Tito’s involvement was limited to positioning the stolen getaway vehicles before the crime was executed.
Zahabe’s barrister, Paul Smallwood, also argued his client was not involved, he was told about the shooting after it happened as he hitched a ride back to NSW.
Senior crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill SC urged the jury to convict the two men, saying the case was strong albeit circumstantial.
She pointed to DNA evidence which connected Zahabe and Tito to two balaclavas and a glove believed to have been used in the attack.
DNA also linked the pair to three getaway cars used immediately after the murder.
The jury also found Tito and Zahabe guilty of the attempted murder of Maghnie.
They will each face a pre-sentence hearing at a later date.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
