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A local greengrocer who was shot dead in his driveway as he went to 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, in Melbourne’s north, about 4.30am on Tuesday.
Latorre is believed to have been a discreet but influential member of the ‘Ndrangheta – a powerful mafia organization from Calabria in southern Italy.
He also ran a successful fruit and vegetable business at Melbourne Market in Epping, about 18km north of the CBD.
It is understood Mr Latorre was on his way to work when he was approached by an unknown person and shot in the torso in his driveway.
Senior Sergeant Danny Travaglini said that while he could not confirm whether the shooting was linked to organized crime, a reprisal attack was possible.
“There is no indication of retaliation at this time,” he said.
‘But you also need to understand that if there are links to organized crime, there is potential for retaliation. And that’s why Victoria Police makes such investigations a high priority.’
A woman pictured outside the Greenvale home where Melbourne greengrocer John Latorre was found dead early on Tuesday morning appeared distressed
The woman (centre) was treated by paramedics when she was removed from the scene
Family members were seen talking to police inside the cordoned off crime scene
Police have confirmed Mr Latorre was known to police before he died on Tuesday
A woman outside the home appeared distressed as she was taken away from the scene to be treated by paramedics around 9.30am.
Sgt Travaglini said a family member had spotted Mr Latorre in the driveway after hearing gunshots from inside the house.
‘We have spoken to (the family). They’re quite desperate – they’re not really able to give too many details,’ he said.
He confirmed that the greengrocer had been known to the police before his death.
Forensic technicians were seen combing the area outside the property and taking 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 indication of any threats to his life,” they said Herald Sun.
Ambulance personnel were seen removing Mr Latorre’s body from the scene
Forensic officers were seen combing the area outside the greengrocer’s home (pictured)
A medical examiner was seen taking pictures of the driveway hours after the alleged shooting
Victoria Police said in a statement that the investigation is ongoing.
“Paramedics attempted to revive the man, who has not yet been formally identified, but he died at the scene,” a police statement read.
‘The exact circumstances surrounding the death have not yet been determined and a crime scene has been established.
‘No arrests have been made at this time.’
Anyone who witnessed the incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.