Sydney drone operator charged with murder in fatal shooting

An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting in Merrylands West, western Sydney, on September 2. Police believe the victim, 40-year-old Joshua Macdonald, was killed due to mistaken identity. Macdonald reportedly had no known links to organized crime.

Following an investigation by Raptor Squad detectives, two men aged 18 and 19 were arrested in West Hoxton. Police allege the 18-year-old acted as a drone operator during the incident. A drone was seized and forensically examined, which detectives say provided evidence linking the individual to the shooting.

The 18-year-old faces charges of murder and participating in a criminal group to contribute to criminal activity. He has been refused bail. The 19-year-old man has been charged with participating in a criminal group and driving while his license was suspended; he was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to return to court on September 24.