Hitmen who executed gangland enforcer Gavin Preston spared life in prison

Hitmen Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, have been sentenced to 34 years in prison for the brutal execution-style killing of gangland enforcer Gavin Preston and the attempted murder of his associate Abbas ‘AJ’ Maghnie. The pair, described by the court as having committed a “meticulously planned” contract killing, avoided life imprisonment due to their young ages. Supreme Court Justice Michael O’Connell emphasized the severity of the offense, calling it an “execution in a public setting for profit” that violated “society’s most basic human values.” Zahabe will be eligible for parole in 27 years, while Tito will qualify after 26 years. Preston, known as “Capable” for his ruthless reputation, was killed on September 9, 2023, during a routine visit to his favorite Keilor cafe, Sweet Lulu’s. He had recently completed an 11-year prison term for two underworld shootings, one of which was fatal. The hit team, operating in a stolen vehicle, approached the café and opened fire, striking Preston seven times. His associate, Maghnie, was also wounded but survived. The attack occurred on a Saturday morning, drawing horrified attention from nearby patrons. O’Connell highlighted the calculated nature of the crime, noting that the killers had been transported from Sydney specifically to carry out the assassination. The pair had followed a detailed plan, including the use of pre-positioned stolen cars for their escape. Despite attempts to burn the vehicles to destroy evidence, two of the cars failed to ignite, preserving crucial forensic material. An unknown accomplice also failed to destroy the third car, further complicating efforts to erase the trail. Preston had been embroiled in a violent feud with several underworld figures, including gangland boss George Marrogi, Waleed “Wally” Haddara, Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim, and his former bikie club, the Comancheros. His recent release from prison had triggered a period of increased aggression, marked by extortion, assaults, and robberies. The court noted that Preston had grown complacent about his security, leading to the fatal decision to sit at an outside table instead of his usual indoor location. This choice proved disastrous, allowing the killers to execute their plan. While the court acknowledged the financial motive behind the killing, the identity of the person who ordered the hit remains unclear. Underworld and police sources suggest the operation was likely orchestrated by a Sydney-based crime figure who had been defrauded by Preston just months prior. However, no definitive information has emerged regarding the mastermind behind the plot. The sentencing underscored the gravity of the crime, with O’Connell stating that the victims’ lives deserved the same legal protection as any other citizen. The case has sparked widespread condemnation, with many viewing the public execution as a shocking display of violence in a community already plagued by organized crime. As the convicted men begin their lengthy prison terms, the mystery surrounding the true orchestrator of the hit remains unsolved.