A $ 1 million prize is awarded for information that helps solve the murder of Rebels bikie president Nick Martin, who was shot during a drag event in Perth.
Martin received one gunshot wound to the chest while watching the Outlaw Nitro Challenge at Perth Motorplex in Kwinana at 8.40pm on Saturday with his family.
WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts described the incident as “a very serious incident” and said there was a possibility that soldiers could be prosecuted as long as the man was not directly involved in the murder.
“We do not want a stone to be left behind,” he told reporters Tuesday.
Prize Money
“It is a reward that has never been seen in such a case.
“This is an irreversible crime.”
Assistant Commissioner Brad Royce acknowledged that a prize was being paid ahead of schedule for the police investigation, but said it was “critical” in the case.
“We don’t want to take it for granted and work hard on all the artistic opportunities if there is someone sitting there who is just looking for an opportunity to appear,” he said.
Martin’s wife Amanda was with him at the time of the shooting and told The West Australia that he heard a noise, but was not sure if there was a gunshot or a retrieval from the car.
The Incident
She recalled feeling her husband’s hand graze her cheek as he collapsed to the ground before saying: “Babe, I’ve been shot.”
“I picked her up and just lifted her up. I kept telling her that she would just stay with me, ”said Martin before explaining that she had cried for help.
“No one knew he had been shot because … noise, cars … they didn’t know.”
He said onlookers thought Martin had a heart attack, but his hands were covered in blood.
“I was shocked and tried to give him CPR, but he never opened his eyes again – he was already gone,” she said.
Martin, 51, appeared to have been shot by a shooter in front of innocent bystanders, including young families.
A five-year-old boy was hit by the bullet but did not need to go to the hospital.
Former Bandidos cyclist Ricky Chapman, 31, a partner of Martin’s daughter-in-law Stacey Schoppe, was also injured and pieces of ammunition were removed from his arm during surgery.
Ongoing Investigation
Ms Schoppe said Chapman’s allegations that he was a member of the rebels were false and that he was no longer a cyclist.
The gun hunt continues, with authorities not denying that the shooter may have flown to Perth to commit the crime.
Police and staff raided the area on Tuesday.
A rebel rally at the Bibra Lake clubhouse was held by police at night.
Police set up a car park nearby, stationed members and partners to check on him.
Separately, the 20-year-old Rebels nominee was allegedly found with three firearms, a machete and police uniforms in Gosnells.
The Kenwick man has been charged with six counts. He is not responsible for Martin’s shooting.
On Monday, WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson told 6PR radio that Martin did not have a “good relationship” with the Rebels before his death and was “under some pressure”.
Police have suggested that Martin had recently stepped down, but his family insists that this is not true.
Following the shooting, police raided Mongol and Hells Angels club houses, as well as the Shoalwater home linked to the alleged cyclist.
A 33-year-old Mongolian member has been charged with possession of cocaine for commercial purposes, while a 30-year-old man has been charged with violating a post-sentence guard order.
Weapons and medical supplies were allegedly found during a search of the Hells Angels clubhouse.
The 71-year-old Mongolian partner has been charged with multiple counts of possession of marijuana, a firearm, four firearms, ammunition and ammunition allegedly found in the Shoalwater area.
Reactions And Tributes
There are fears that Martin’s death could spark a whole cycling war and Mr Royce says police are “turning the war on criminals”.
More than 100 police officers have been deployed so far in Operation Ravello.
Meanwhile, tributes have flowed for Martin, with former Rebels national president Alex Vella sharing his outrage.
“Being considered cowardly in front of his wife, children and grandchildren is very disgusting,” wrote Mr Vella.
“Nick will always be remembered for going straight ahead and not as a member of our big team.”
Martin’s daughter, Tia, who recently gave birth to her first grandchild, posted a photo on Facebook with the caption: “I love you forever and ever.”
Martin’s friend said “the world has lost a good man”.
“I met Nick in the early 2000’s when we were working together… we became friends (and) I had the good fortune to meet his parents, daughter and sister. Social status is not a real man. He was a very generous and kind person, ”he wrote.
Martin’s death comes just two weeks after he was bashed at a Scarborough bar, allegedly by Hells Angels boss Dayne Brajkovich.
CCTV showed the greeters shaking hands peacefully before the outbreak of violent violence.
Martin reportedly fell to the ground before standing up.
