The family of a 23-year-old Sydney man killed in his own home will break their silence tonight, speaking exclusively to A Current Affair about the devastating loss.
Marco Tapia was shot dead in the early hours of Tuesday, 1 September, after masked intruders entered his family home in Glen Alpine, in Sydney’s south-west.
The 23-year-old was asleep in bed when he was shot, with emergency services called to the property at around 3.40am. Marco died at the scene.
Police initially described the incident as a suspected targeted attack, but investigators soon began looking at the possibility that Marco was an innocent victim of mistaken identity.
Marco was studying biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney and was also involved in youth work and martial arts.
Now, his parents Sergio and Claudia Tapia will speak publicly about the night their son was killed and their decision to seek peace rather than anger following his death.
“When you close your eyes is when you see everything again and again… Right now, we are striving for peace and forgiveness will come.”
Reports at the time said a social media post made by underworld figure Iziah Utai claimed the attackers had targeted the wrong person and wrong house. Police said the post was being considered as part of their investigation.
Marco’s death came as police investigated a broader conflict between rival criminal groups in Sydney, with detectives examining whether the shooting was connected to the ongoing violence.
Marco’s older sister Cassie and girlfriend Joannette Apolinares will also open up about the loss.
“My life didn’t really begin until he was born and I could be his big sister… He’s like my best friend…”
