'World is not gonna be the same': Father killed at boxing match named
A Craigieburn father who has been described as a “perfect gentleman” has been identified as the man shot dead at a boxing match on the weekend.
It’s understood Ben Togiai, 30, who was shot in the face about 10pm on Friday, had gone to the boxing event at Melbourne Pavilion in Kensington with colleagues from the construction industry.
Two other men, a 34-year-old from Lalor and a 32-year-old from Craigieburn, were also shot but remain in hospital.
Mr Togiai’s devastated family and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to a man they say had a smile that would light up any room.
His former partner Shae Mccoullough said in her post that she’d give anything to bring Mr Togiai back.
“How am I supposed to say goodbye? How do I tell my little girl that daddy’s not coming home? I’m so heartbroken and can’t even begin to imagine how hard life is going to be without you," she wrote.
"Your not gonna get the chance to watch her grow, or see her on her first day of school, you won’t be at any birthday parties or even get to walk her down the aisle! I'm sitting here still thinking this is all just a dream.
"You were so kind and giving and you spent your life looking after everybody around you! People loved you for being the goofball that you were and the world is not gonna be the same without you.”
Others have started a hashtag #justiceforben as police appeal to the public to help identify the whereabouts of the four men wanted in connection with the shooting.
On Sunday, three suspects in the execution-style murder were named by police, amid fears the slaying could fuel a bloody war between rival Middle Eastern gangs. It is not believed that Mr Togiai was in any way involved in the feud.
Homicide detectives want to speak to brothers Abdullah El Nasher, 27, and Ali El Nasher, 28, and Mikhael Myko, 25, from Pascoe Vale. They are also seeking a fourth man, who is yet to be identified.
Boxing promoter and owner of the Melbourne Pavilion, Brian Amatruda, said the venue would introduce new security measures in response to the shootings.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report crimestoppersvic.com.au.