NSW: Police search for gunman after fatal shooting

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2008
NSW: Police search for gunman after fatal shooting

Eds: Reissuing to clarify relationship in 11th par



By Kim Christian and Adam Bennett

SYDNEY, April 26 AAP - A 36-year-old father of four shot dead in an east Sydney bar
fight was an inspiration and had a heart of gold, his grieving family say.

Solomon Penitani died after being shot in the chest several times in the main area
of Churchill's Sports Bar in Kingsford at 4am (AEST) today, following Anzac Day celebrations.

Maroubra police commander Peter McErlain said police tried in vain to revive the Hillsdale
man at the bar on the corner of Rainbow Street and Anzac Parade.

"It appears that anything up to three shots were fired, and the deceased has suffered
gunshot wounds to the upper part of the body," Superintendent McErlain said.

He said the shooting occurred after several patrons became involved in a fight, and
hotel staff alerted police by sounding an alarm.

"There were a number of people involved in the altercation - whether or not they knew
each other is unknown," he said.

At least 20 people were in the bar at the time.

"The guy walked in and then he pushed another guy and then he pointed the gun to him
and just shoot him," a woman named Linda told the Seven Network.

Mr Penitani's family were in shock today, struggling to understand why a man they described
as an "inspiration" had lost his life in such a senseless shooting.

"He had a heart of gold ... He loved his children, there was nothing he wouldn't do
for his children," Mr Penitani's brother-in-law Peter Rosemond told the Nine Network.

"He is just an inspiration. He would give his last dollar to a complete stranger,"

Mr Penitani's wife Renee Rosemond said.

Ms Rosemond said she and her family needed to know why Mr Penitani was killed.

"It is very important for me and my children to know - we just want closure," she said.

The 24-hour venue had advertised Anzac Day celebrations, including two-up, starting
from 1pm yesterday.

Police have ruled out robbery as a motive and are viewing CCTV footage and interviewing
witnesses who were in the gaming and main bar areas.

"We're also reviewing some very detailed CCTV footage which has been obtained from
the venue," Supt McErlain said.

"It appears that the firearm was a handgun and we are unable to say whether it was
a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol," he said.

Police today searched gardens on a traffic island opposite the bar where the gunman
is believed to have made his escape.

Maroubra taxi driver Moses Moses (Moses Moses) said in his experience Churchill's Sports
Bar was a trouble-free venue.

"I sometimes come in here to the bistro for a meal around 10 to 11pm and it's generally
a quiet pub," Mr Moses told AAP.

"This must have been something to do with someone having an agenda with someone."

Kingsford shop assistant Yvonne Oktacia, 28, said Churchill's had recently been held up.

"It's usually pretty quiet, but the bar was held up a few months ago," she said.

The gunman, described as about 182 cm tall with a solid build, was last seen running
across Anzac Parade after the shooting.

AAP krc/ab/cjh/mn

KEYWORD: SHOOTING 2ND NIGHTLEAD (PIX AVAILABLE) (REISSUE)

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