Homicide Squad detectives charge drone operator for alleged involvement in fatal shooting - Merrylands

The release

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a drone operator for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting in Sydney’s west last week.

About 3.15pm (Wednesday 2 September 2026), emergency services were called to a home on Bruce Street, Merrylands West, after reports of a shooting.

Officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command responded and located a 40-year-old man, suffering a gunshot wound.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, died at the scene.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries before the investigation was handed to the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Haleno.

Following extensive inquiries, about 5.30am yesterday (Friday 11 September 2026) Raptor Squad – with assistance from Taskforce Falcon and Homicide detectives – arrested an alleged drone operator – an 18-year-old man – in West Hoxton.

A drone was seized and forensically examined by detectives, who allegedly uncovered evidence to suggest involvement in the fatal shooting in Merrylands.

The 18-year-old man was charged with murder and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 9 today (Saturday 12 September 2026).

The 19-year-old was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.

He was refused bail and appeared before Liverpool Local Court yesterday, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court on Thursday 24 September 2026.

Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.