BREAKING: A father has been found guilty of murder after fatally shooting a man over a stolen wallet. Luke James Picking, aged 42, shot Abdurhman Jemal, 33, outside a shopping strip in Glenroy, Melbourne, in a shocking incident that unfolded on March 28, 2024.
The Victorian Supreme Court jury delivered its verdict on Wednesday, rejecting Picking’s claims that he accidentally pulled the trigger during the confrontation. The case has drawn significant attention due to its violent nature and the familial ties involved; Picking’s 19-year-old son Brodi was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.
The tense encounter began after Brodi accused Jemal of stealing his wallet, leading to a heated argument in a Bunnings car park earlier that month. The jury was informed that Brodi threatened Jemal, allegedly saying he was “going to f***ing kill the c***.” Tensions escalated when Brodi and Luke Picking tracked Jemal to his vehicle, a red Hyundai, and confronted him.
CCTV footage presented in court depicted the moments leading up to the shooting, showcasing an intense exchange between the groups. As Jemal confronted Picking, he was shot in the face, resulting in multiple shotgun pellet wounds. Witnesses reported Picking shouting, “you want a f***ing air raid,” just before firing the weapon and fleeing the scene.
After the shooting, prosecutors allege that Luke Picking contacted Ian Harris, 49, seeking assistance to dispose of the firearm. However, Harris was found not guilty of aiding an offender.
Both Luke and Brodi Picking have been remanded in custody, awaiting a pre-sentence hearing. The emotional impact of this tragic case resonates deeply, as it highlights the devastating consequences of impulsive violence and familial strife.
As this case continues to develop, the community is left grappling with the ramifications of such a senseless act. Authorities are urging the public to reflect on the serious nature of violent confrontations and their lasting effects.
Stay tuned for updates as we monitor this ongoing story and its implications for justice and community safety.
