notorious Iron Horsemen motorcycle gang has been linked to a ruthless unsolved bikie execution in Melbourne
Notorious Iron Horsemen motorcycle gang has been linked to a ruthless unsolved bikie execution in Melbourne. The Herald Sun can reveal police have credible information connecting the club with both the victim and the suspects in the March 2005 killing.
Armed Crime Taskforce detectives yesterday searched a factory in a remote industrial estate in Epping where they believe the man was executed. The factory has previous links to the club. Forensic police last night used chemical tests to check for traces of blood. Despite the release of a detailed face image of the victim, police have yet to establish his name or find his body. The man, described as thin with broad shoulders and in his late 40s, is believed to be from South Australia.
Those involved in the killing are not thought to be formal "patched" members of the club but informal associates. Police say they may have been cut loose from the club after the killing. Victoria has two Iron Horsemen chapters. Formed in Melbourne in 1969, the outlaw gang prides itself on its club colours and its "brotherhood". Bikie gangs are known to lash out at members who attract unwanted attention, those who try to defect to other clubs or those who try to opt out of the scene altogether.
In Melbourne 10 years ago, an Iron Horsemen member bashed a parking inspector, shattering his eye socket. Seven years earlier, gang members belted a man they say shot one of their members during a camping trip. Det Sen-Constable Graeme Simpfendorfer described the case as baffling.
"The primary focus is to identify the victim which will open up motive," he said.
"We are forensically investigating but without a body or name to the face, it's difficult."
