A local greengrocer who was shot dead in his driveway as he left for work has been revealed as a suspected member of the Calabrian mafia.
The body of John Peter Latorre, 64, was found outside his home on Buchanan Place in Greenvale, Melbourne’s north, about 4.30am on Tuesday.
Mr. Latorre is said to have been a discreet but influential member of the Ndrangheta, a powerful mafia organization from Calabria, southern Italy.
He also ran a successful fruit and vegetable business at the Melbourne Market in Epping, about 18km north of the CBD.
It is understood Mr. Latorre was leaving for work when he was approached by an unknown individual and shot in the upper body in his driveway.
Detective Senior Sergeant Danny Travaglini said while he could not confirm whether the shooting was linked to organized crime, a retaliatory attack was possible.
“There is nothing to indicate retaliation at this time,” he said.
‘However, you must also understand that if there are links to organized crime, there is a possibility of retaliation. And that’s why Victoria Police considers such investigations a high priority.”
A woman pictured outside the Greenvale home where Melbourne greengrocer John Latorre was found dead early Tuesday morning appeared distressed
The woman (centre) was treated by paramedics as she was removed from the scene
Family members were seen speaking to police at the cordoned-off crime scene
Police have confirmed that Latorre was known to police before his death on Tuesday
A woman outside the home appeared distressed as she was led from the scene to be treated by paramedics around 9:30 a.m.
Det Sgt Travaglini said a family member discovered Mr Latorre in the driveway after hearing gunshots from the house.
“We talked to (the family). “They’re quite desperate, they’re not really in a position to give too many details,” he said.
He confirmed that the greengrocer was known to police before his death.
Forensic staff combed the area outside the property and took statements from neighbors before paramedics removed the body.
A source close to Mr. Latorre said he had felt no threat to his life before he was shot.
“There was no evidence of any threat to his life,” they told police Herald Sun.
Paramedics were seen removing Mr Latorre’s body from the scene
Forensics were seen combing the area outside the greengrocer’s house (pictured)
A forensics officer was seen taking photos of the driveway several hours after the alleged shooting
Victoria Police said in a statement that the investigation was ongoing.
“Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the yet formally identified man, but he died at the scene,” a police statement said.
‘The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be established and a crime scene has been established.
“No arrests have been made at this stage.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.