Teenager charged with murder after drone allegedly links him to mistaken-identity Sydney shooting

A teenager has been charged with murder over the alleged mistaken-identity shooting of a man in Sydney’s west.

Police allegedly uncovered evidence linking the 18-year-old man to the killing through a seized drone.

Emergency services were called to a home on Bruce Street, Merrylands West, about 3.15pm on Wednesday, September 2, following reports of a shooting.

Police found a 40-year-old man, Joshua Macdonald, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

Following extensive inquiries, Raptor Squad officers, assisted by Taskforce Falcon and Homicide detectives, arrested an 18-year-old man in West Hoxton about 5.30am on Friday.

A 19-year-old man who was allegedly in Hoxton’s company was also arrested.

Both men were taken to Liverpool Police Station, where police seized a drone and had it forensically examined.

Detectives allege the examination uncovered evidence indicating the 18-year-old was involved in the Merrylands West shooting.

He was charged with murder and participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity.

The teenager was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Court 9 on Saturday.

The 19-year-old was charged with participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity, as well as driving while his licence was suspended.

He was granted conditional bail at Liverpool Local Court on Friday and is due to return to court on September 24.