Friends and family of a heavily-tattooed bikie associate known as the’muscle’ at numerous outlaw motorcycle meetings in Western Australia said he would have wanted to be remembered as a ‘gangster’
Joe Versace, known to his friends as Joey or Jojo, was discovered dead in a rural workshop in the Perth suburb of Gnangara around 4 p.m. on Thursday.
In a brazen daylight execution, the 34-year-old was shot in the stomach and chest, and paramedics were unable to save his life.
Police stated that the killer is still at large, with homicide investigators and forensic teams arriving at the crime scene on Thursday night and cordoning off sections of Gnangara to investigate.
A pal told The West Australian that Versace would have wanted the complete truth about his ‘gangster’ lifestyle to be revealed.
The friend remarked, “He was a tough man, yet he had the biggest heart for those he cared about.”
Already, tributes are pouring in for Versace, who was slain yesterday.
Versace’s ties to Western Australia’s illicit motorcycle gangs date back years, with the dead 34-year-old having previously been involved with the Rebels and the Comancheros.
The West reports that Versace has spent the past 16 years in and out of prison, serving his first sentence at the age of 18.
In 2015, Versace was charged with participating in a narcotics trafficking enterprise, but the accusations were dropped later that year.
In July 2021, Versace’s Facebook profile photo depicted him urinating on a police cruiser, demonstrating that he had no regard for law enforcement.
Other images from Versace’s social media sites depicted the heavily tattooed man working out and walking his pets.
Versace also appeared to be a fan of his namesake company, as he posted a photo of a Versace chain emblazoned with the firm’s distinctive Medusa head logo and got the insignia tattooed on his hand.
Versace has the insignia of the luxury company tattooed on his hand.
Joe Versace, 34, has been identified as the man who was shot and killed in broad sight.
The 34-year-old leaves a little kid behind.
The social media was filled with condolences from relatives and friends.
“I am at a loss for words… Since my previous phone conversation… I’ve experienced chills. I cannot believe it,’ wrote one buddy.
“Joe Versace, my heart goes out to you, your mother, and your family. You are an incredible daughter.” I love you Jojo, I’m so sorry.’
When another friend inquired as to what had transpired, the woman who first posted the tribute responded, “Joey was shot and killed.”
Police reported that paramedics attempted to resuscitate Versace after discovering him “laying on the ground,” but he was unable to be saved.
On Thursday afternoon, Versace was shot twice, once in the chest and once in the abdomen, and paramedics were unable to save his life when they got at the site.
Versace spotted in Perth walking with his dogs
Versace shared images of his daily life on Facebook, including this image of a Versace chain.
Keith Neubronner, Detective Senior Sergeant, stated that police did not believe there was a threat to the public, but advised neighbors to remain watchful.
“We do not feel the gunman poses a threat to the community,” he told reporters at the site. “At this time, we believe the incident was targeted.”
We are still gathering information and intelligence regarding the identify of the individual or individuals involved.
We know who the victim is, but we are attempting to determine his relationships with other individuals.
“We want the community to remain vigilant and watch what’s going on, and if they need to report anything, they can do so through Crime Stoppers.”
It is suspected that Versace was slain in a targeted shooting.
The man was shot and died in the northern Perth suburb of Gnangara.
Residents of the adjoining Lakelands Lifestyle Village are only permitted to enter their homes with identification proving their residence.
Joseph Raimondi, a senior WA Rebels member, was photographed at the scene comforting mourners outside the police barrier.
Raimondi (seen on the right) was observed comforting others at the site.
Thursday at approximately 7:00 p.m., homicide investigators and forensic teams arrived at the workshop to investigate the terrible scene.
Police are requesting any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the hours preceding and following the shooting.
Almost two years have passed since the assassination of Rebel leader Nick Martin and one of Raimondi’s closest friends in Perth by a sniper.
Martin, the longtime leader of the Rebels, was assassinated in December 2020 while he and his family were watching drag racing at Perth Motorplex.