An underworld figure with links to a notorious street gang has been identified as one of the victims in a brazen shooting outside a busy Sydney pub. The incident left one man dead and sent shockwaves through the inner-western suburb of Forest Lodge.
Gang-Related Shooting Leaves One Dead, Another Injured
Up to 15 gunshots rang out near The Harold gastropub on Ross Street around 6:35 PM on Sunday evening. Two men were ambushed and shot multiple times as they were returning to their car, parked about 100 meters from the venue. One victim, Gilbert Shino, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts from paramedics and an off-duty doctor. His friend Maradona Yalda, 31, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but has since been stabilized.
Authorities revealed that Yalda, who allegedly has ties to the Assyrian street gang DLASTHR and former Comanchero bikie Andre Kallita, had returned to Australia only four days prior. Police are investigating whether the shooting was linked to gang-related disputes or recent criminal activity, including a firebombing in Sydney’s west.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Terrifying Scene
The shooting unfolded in front of horrified pub-goers enjoying dinner, some of whom sought shelter under tables as shots were fired. Staff quickly locked the entrance to protect patrons, while stray bullets reportedly struck a nearby car and a pub window, narrowly missing a female worker. Superintendent Alf Sergi described the attack as “outrageous, brazen, and callous.”
One witness overheard a man shouting, “He’s my best friend,” while attempting to aid one of the victims. Others reported seeing several potential assailants fleeing the scene on foot before escaping in a dark-colored vehicle.
Police Continue Hunt for Gunman
No arrests have been made so far. Investigators are exploring the possibility of multiple gunmen and urging the public for information, including dashcam footage, to help piece together events. The State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad has joined the investigation as this incident marks Sydney’s thirteenth public shooting — and the fourth fatal one — in the past eight months.
Superintendent Sergi confirmed that detectives are treating the attack as targeted, given Yalda’s known connections to organized crime. “We believe it’s a targeted attack based on one of the victim’s backgrounds,” Sergi said during an interview with 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Monday.
Increased Concern Over Public Shootings
Incidents of targeted violence continue to alarm Sydney residents. Not all victims in recent events have had criminal links — most notably plumber John Versace, who was fatally shot in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity.
As the Forest Lodge neighborhood reeled from Sunday’s attack, local residents were advised to stay indoors while police collected statements. Authorities aim to provide further updates soon, with the crime scene remaining under investigation as of Monday.
If you have any information regarding this incident, you are urged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-333-000.
