A local greengrocer who was shot dead on his driveway as he left for work has been revealed as a suspected member of the Calabrian mafia.
The body of John Peter Latorre, 64, was found outside his home at Buchanan Place in Greenvale, in Melbourne’s north, at about 4.30am on Tuesday.
Mr Latorre is understood to have been a discreet but influential member of the Ndrangheta – a powerful mafia organisation from Calabria, southern Italy.
He also ran a successful fruit and vegetable business at the Melbourne Market in Epping, about 18km north of the CBD.
The body of John Peter Latorre (pictured), 64, was found outside his home at Buchanan Place in Greenvale, in Melbourne ‘s north, at about 4.30am on Tuesday
It’s understood Mr Latorre was leaving for work when he was approached by a unknown person and shot in the upper body on his driveway.
Detective Senior Sergeant Danny Travaglini said while he couldn’t confirm if the shooting was linked to organised crime, a retaliation attack was possible.
‘There’s nothing to suggest retaliation at this point in time,’ he said.
‘However, you’ve also got to understand, that if there are links to organised crime, there is the potential for retaliation. And that’s why Victoria Police approach such investigations as 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 as she was removed from the crime scene
Family members were seen speaking with police inside the cordoned-off crime scene
Police have confirmed Mr Latorre was known to police before his death on Tuesday
A woman outside the home appeared distressed as she was led away from the scene to be treated by paramedics at about 9.30am.
Det Sgt Travaglini said a family member had discovered Mr Latorre on the driveway after hearing gunshots from inside the house.
‘We’ve spoken to [the family]. They’re quite distraught – they’re not really in a position to provide too much detail,’ he said.
He confirmed the greengrocer had been known to police before his death.
Forensics were seen combing the area outside the property and taking statements from neighbours before ambulance personnel removed the body.
A source close to Mr Latorre said he had felt no threat on his life before he was shot.
‘There was no indication of any threats to his life,’ they told the Herald Sun.
Ambulance personnel were seen removing Mr Latorre’s body from the crime scene
Forensics were seen combing the area outside the home of the greengrocer (pictured)
A forensic officer was seen taking photos of the driveway just hours after the alleged shooting
Victoria Police said in a statement the investigation was ongoing.
‘Paramedics tried to revive the yet to be formally identified man but he died at the scene,’ a police statement read.
‘The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined and a crime scene has been established.
‘No arrests have been made at this stage.’
Anyone who witnessed the incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
READ MORE: Disturbing messages daughter sent before killing her mum in Melbourne
The mother and daughter are pictured in a selfie taken by Carly Pirronelli