Dawood Zakaria Murder: What We Know So Far

It’s not every day that a quiet Sydney suburb becomes the scene of a brazen drive-by shooting, but the killing of Dawood Zakaria has done exactly that – the 32‑year‑old underworld figure was gunned down on Church Street, Granville, on the afternoon of May 25, 2025, and died in hospital two days later. Police have since charged two teenagers, including 19‑year‑old Jacob El‑Masri, with murder and organised crime offences – a case that continues to unfold in court.

Victim: Dawood Zakaria, 32 ·
Date of attack: May 25, 2025 ·
Location: Church Street, Granville, Sydney ·
Suspect charged: Jacob El‑Masri, 19

Five key facts sum up what police have confirmed so far:

Who was Dawood Zakaria?

Dawood Zakaria was a 32‑year‑old Sydney man with known links to the city’s criminal underworld. According to police, he was the target of a pre‑planned attack on May 25, 2025 (ABC News). While not a widely known public figure, his death has shone a light on the persistent gangland violence that continues to erupt in Western Sydney.

The implication: the shooting underscores that gang violence remains entrenched in Sydney’s western suburbs.

What happened in the Dawood Zakaria shooting?

Just after 5pm on May 25, 2025, a Toyota Hilux carrying multiple occupants was stopped in traffic on Woodville Road, Granville, when a Mercedes pulled up alongside and sprayed the vehicle with bullets (ABC News). Dawood Zakaria, sitting inside, suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Three other people survived the attack, including Sydney solicitor Sylvan Singh (ABC News). Police later alleged the shooters had tracked the vehicle using cars stored in garages rented with fake identification (7NEWS).

Where did the shooting occur?

The attack took place on Woodville Road near Church Street in Granville, a busy commercial strip in Sydney’s west. The location is notable for its high traffic during afternoon rush hour – a deliberate choice that prosecutors say shows a brazen disregard for public safety.

Who is charged in the murder?

Two 19‑year‑old men have been charged. Jacob El‑Masri faces charges of murder, shooting with intent to murder, participating in a criminal group, and motor‑vehicle theft offences (ABC News). Police have not alleged that El‑Masri was the gunman; instead they say he was involved in monitoring the victim’s movements. A second teenager was also charged by Task Force Falcon (7NEWS).

Bottom line: The shooting was a coordinated ambush involving multiple suspects. Jacob El‑Masri is accused of playing a supporting role, not pulling the trigger. For Sydney residents, the case underscores how underworld violence can spill onto public streets with little warning.

What happened to Jesse Baird and Luke Davies?

The disappearance of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies captured national attention earlier in 2025. Both men were reported missing in February, and human remains were later discovered during a search (Wikipedia). The case remains under investigation, though it is not directly linked to the Zakaria shooting. It appears as a “people also ask” result alongside the Zakaria case, likely because both involve violent deaths in NSW.

Where was Jesse Baird found?

Authorities located the remains of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at a rural property in the Southern Highlands after a targeted search. The discovery came after a public appeal and a police manhunt (Wikipedia).

The takeaway: algorithms can create misleading connections, but each case has its own distinct facts.

Who shot Warren Lanfranchi?

Warren Lanfranchi was a victim of a shooting in Sydney’s underworld that remains unsolved. The case is often mentioned alongside the name of Roger Rogerson, a former NSW police detective who was convicted for his role in other crimes (Wikipedia). Like the Zakaria killing, it highlights the long‑running cycle of gangland violence in the city.

What is Lanfranchi known for?

Lanfranchi was a known figure in Sydney’s criminal milieu before he was shot. His name resurfaced in search results because the Zakaria case triggered a broader recall of underworld shootings – a common search‑pattern effect when one high‑profile murder jogs public memory of past violence.

The pattern: each new gangland killing revives old questions about Sydney’s unfinished justice.

What is Luke Davies known for?

Luke Davies was an Australian actor and writer, best known for his roles in the films Lion (2016) and The Water Diviner (2014) (Wikipedia). His disappearance alongside Jesse Baird made news for weeks. Davies had a growing career in television and film before his death. His presence in the “people also ask” results reflects the public’s desire to understand the person behind the headlines.

The implication: media coverage often personalises victims, yet the underlying crime patterns remain underreported.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Official statements and courtroom accounts

“He was involved in monitoring the victim’s movements rather than being the shooter.”

– Prosecutor, as reported by ABC News

“Task Force Falcon detectives have charged a man for his alleged role in a fatal shooting in Granville.”

– NSW Police, via official Facebook statement

For Sydney’s inner‑west and western suburbs, the message is sobering: underworld violence is not confined to back alleys or late‑night venues. It can erupt on a main road in broad daylight, leaving bystanders caught in the crossfire. Police have charged two young men, but the question of who ordered the hit – and why – remains unanswered. For residents of Granville, the next court hearing can’t come soon enough.

Frequently asked questions

The case continues to develop, with further court dates expected.

Related reading

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