Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, have been charged with the murder of a 23-year-old university student in a shocking case of mistaken identity in Sydney’s southwest.
Marco Tapia was killed inside his family’s Glen Alpine home in the early hours of September 1. Police were called to the property just before 4:00 a.m. following reports of a home invasion, only to discover Tapia suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. He died at the scene.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives arrested the two teenagers on Wednesday. While police do not allege that the pair pulled the trigger, they have been charged with murder under the principle of joint criminal enterprise.
Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, commander of the NSW Police homicide squad, stated that the incident bore the “hallmarks of an organised crime murder.” Investigators believe three primary offenders entered the home, while the two teenagers allegedly acted as facilitators.
“Even though these boys were not present and not part of the actual murder, we will allege that by the nature of their activities they form part of the joint criminal enterprise, therefore they are liable for the offence of murder,” Doueihi told reporters.
Police will allege in court that the teenagers were responsible for staging getaway vehicles, transporting the gunmen to and from the scene, and supplying the weapon used in the attack. The 14-year-old has also been charged with damaging property via fire or explosion, with police claiming he attempted to dispose of evidence by burning the getaway car—a task that backfired when he allegedly suffered burns during the process, leading him to seek medical treatment.
Both boys, who remain in school, face additional charges of participating in a criminal group, possession of an unauthorised firearm, and the illegal use of vehicles. They have been refused bail and are scheduled to appear in children’s court on Thursday.
Superintendent Doueihi expressed disbelief at the involvement of such young individuals in high-stakes criminal activity. “Both young, both vulnerable, young naive children,” he said. “I’m at a loss as to why these people were enticed into this type of crime. They are easily lured by the thrill and the financial incentive. That’s a short-term gain for significantly long-term consequences.”
The victim’s parents, Claudia and Sergio Tapia, have spoken publicly about the tragedy, telling A Current Affair that “hate came to our house.”
“I remember him taking the last breath,” his mother said. His father remembered him as a “beautiful, caring, and loving” young man, describing the killing as a “wasteful” and “useless” act.
The incident is part of a broader, concerning surge in gun violence across Sydney. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has vowed to continue an aggressive crackdown on the perpetrators, stating, “We won’t rest until we stop this violence.”
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