Emergency services rushed to Riverstone, in Sydney’s north-west, after reports of gunfire around 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
Police and paramedics found 33-year-old former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian with gunshot wounds at the intersection of two quiet residential streets. Despite efforts to save him, he died at the scene.
A “Brazen and Targeted” Attack
Authorities have described the incident as a “brazen” and “targeted” daylight attack.
Detectives from the New South Wales Police Force have cordoned off the area as homicide detectives and forensic officers gather evidence late into the night.
Officers could be seen searching the nearby grass verge with flashlights, carefully examining potential ballistic evidence.
Burning Vehicle Found Nearby
Shortly after the shooting, a car was found engulfed in flames a short distance from the scene, sending thick black smoke into the air.
Investigators are examining whether the vehicle was used by the attackers as a getaway car before being deliberately torched to destroy evidence — a tactic seen in previous organized crime incidents across Sydney.
Victim Previously Survived an Assassination Attempt
Mokhtarian’s death comes six months after he reportedly survived an earlier assassination plot.
Police are now investigating whether Wednesday’s shooting was linked to that previous attempt or ongoing tensions within Sydney’s underworld.
The 33-year-old, once a promising UFC fighter, had trained and competed internationally before stepping away from the sport in recent years.
Police Appeal for Information
Detectives have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage from the Riverstone or The Ponds area between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday to come forward.
“Someone out there knows what happened,” a police spokesperson said. “We are determined to bring those responsible to justice.”
Residents in the quiet suburban neighborhood have expressed shock and fear following the incident. “It’s terrifying — this is usually such a peaceful area,” one local said.
Police remain on the scene as investigations continue into what they describe as a “calculated execution-style attack.”