Prosecutors have painted a vivid picture of a meticulously orchestrated assassination involving two gunmen who switched vehicles three times before crossing the border. The alleged “underworld hit” targeted a gangland figure at a café, a chilling episode that unfolded in Melbourne.
Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, found themselves in the spotlight at the Supreme Court today, as they began their trial for the alleged murder in Preston. The prosecution accuses them of executing a deadly plan that involved a dramatic car switch and a fiery escape.
In a gripping account, prosecutor Sally Churchill described how a resident witnessed an explosion followed by towering flames emanating from an Audi. Allegedly, Tito sustained burns on his left arm while attempting to smother the blaze with his hands.
Continuing their brazen escape, the duo allegedly torched a second vehicle and abandoned a third. Their escape route then took a dramatic turn as they hopped into a pre-arranged chauffeur-driven car, leaving Victoria behind.
The chauffeur, reportedly enlisted via an encrypted app, unwittingly ferried the fugitives to New South Wales. During the ride, he allegedly overheard a telling remark from one of the men: “we are brothers now.”
Adding another layer to the allegations, Churchill revealed that Zahabe had searched online for “no extradition countries” upon returning home. Meanwhile, Tito’s injuries were inadvertently disclosed through social media, as his girlfriend posted photos showing his bandaged left arm in the days following the shooting.
The prosecution will show the jury DNA evidence that allegedly links the two accused killers to the cars and items found inside them, she said.
Zahabe’s barrister Paul Smallwood said his client denied he was one of the shooters and asked jurors to consider the attempted murder charge as separate to murder.
Daniel Sala, Tito’s barrister, said he denied firing at Preston and urged jurors to keep a “blank slate” in their minds as they hear the evidence.
The trial continues tomorrow.
