Family fears for Melbourne father missing after shooting
A Melbourne father has not been seen since he was shot at a property in the city's north-west, with police and family holding grave fears for his welfare.
Khaled Malas, a 37-year-old father of three from Meadow Heights, was allegedly shot in the chest at a home in Wildwood on August 19 at about 7:20pm, following a dispute. Police have been conducting a large-scale search for him, and investigators said they held significant concerns for his welfare and that it was likely he had succumbed to his injuries.
A long-time friend described Mr Malas as a successful auto truck electrician and a humble, hard-working man who loved his young family. "It's such horrible news," the friend said. "Khaled was a humble hard-working man that loved his young family, it's absolutely devastating."
Mother's plea from Lebanon
Mr Malas's mother, Doha Al Hamoui, spoke exclusively to 7NEWS from her home in Lebanon, 14,000 kilometres away. "My son has been missing for four days. I have absolutely no idea where he is, whether he is alive or dead," she said. "I sit beside the phone all day waiting for news to reach me and there is nothing."
She expressed fear that her son might have been thrown into a river. "Did they throw him into the river? I don't know anything," she said.
The search for Mr Malas was paused on Sunday because the nearby creek was too high.
Arrest and charge
Mohammed Aboueid, 56, has been charged in connection with the shooting. The ABC reported that he has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, while 7NEWS reported the charge as recklessly causing serious injury. He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday night and has been remanded in custody until at least November.
Legal expert Nazim Elbardouh, speaking to 7NEWS, explained why a murder charge is not currently possible: "They can't charge him with murder because you need to first be assured and have evidence that he has been killed."
Dispute over debt
Both news outlets reported that the dispute is allegedly over a debt of more than $500,000. According to 7NEWS, Mr Malas was last seen on Wednesday evening at the alleged shooter's home to collect a debt. The ABC reported its understanding that the dispute allegedly has to do with a $500,000 debt.
Community calls for answers
Melbourne's Lebanese diaspora has joined calls for information, with a community leader urging authorities to put greater pressure on the alleged shooter. "We would appreciate that the authority puts greater pressure on him to tell us where Khaled Malas is," the leader said.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.