News

Identify murder getaway cars

POLICE have appealed for help to find those who killed Mejed Derbas after identifying two cars of interest seen travelling in Merrylands and South Granville before and after the murder on Saturday, January 30.

Mr Derbas’ charred body was found shot inside a burnt out car on Hume Road, Smithfield, that same day.
It is believed the murder relates to an internal conflict within one organised criminal network.
Police released CCTV of a man captured in the vicinity of Hume Road, as well as two vehicles of interest seen in the surrounding areas before and after the murder.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said both vehicles – a black coloured Mercedes-Benz sedan and a GLA250 station wagon – are of interest to investigators.
“We believe the Mercedes sedan may have been used in the lead-up to Mejed’s murder and is depicted travelling on Hilltop Road at Merrylands about 5pm on the afternoon of his death, and again later that evening on Mona Street at South Granville,” Det Supt Doherty said.
The GLA250 station wagon – which has not been recovered – is depicted shortly before 6pm on Hume Road travelling behind the Kia Sorento, which was located burnt out and containing Mejed’s body a short time later.
A man dressed in dark clothing and holding what appears to be a yellow-coloured jerry can is then seen to run toward that vehicle, before it leaves the area.
Det Supt Doherty said regardless of lifestyle, ”nobody should die in such a cruel and callous manner, and the family of Mr Derbas deserve some answers”.
“Anyone who may have information about the man’s identity, or any of the vehicles depicted in the CCTV, would be of great assistance to investigators and I urge them to come forward,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.