Source : Perth Now news
A teenage drone pilot who was arrested earlier this month for his alleged role in the mistaken identity killing of an innocent Sydney tradie is facing fresh charges related to his alleged planning of another murder.
Jimmy Schulz, 18, will face court on Tuesday for allegedly using a drone to spy on a home in West Hoxton just weeks after he was arrested for similar reconnaissance in advance of a horrific shooting in Merrylands West.
Joshua Macdonald, 40, was shot dead in the driveway of a home in Merrylands West in what NSW police believe was a case of mistaken identity.
Police say Mr Macdonald, a tradesman, had been visiting a home owned – but not lived in – by a Sydney gangland figure where a friend of his was living.
Police initially arrested Mr Schulz on September 11 in West Hoxton after receiving reports of a drone flying illegally in the area. Upon seizing his equipment, they allege he was the same individual who had conducted surveillance on the Merrylands West home before Mr Macdonald was gunned down.
Since that arrest, police now allege Mr Schulz was in the process of carrying out a similar crime when he was apprehended.
“Detectives will allege the man was operating a drone to conduct surveillance as part of an alleged conspiracy to murder a man,” a police spokesman said.
Mr Schulz was arrested by detectives from Strike Force Naleto on Monday morning and charged with conspiracy to murder, participation in a criminal group, possessing an encrypted criminal communication device and failing to operate an unmanned aircraft within visual line of sight.
He will appear in a local court on Tuesday.
Ashleigh Ann Seeney, 28, a PE teacher at Airds High School, was also arrested and charged in relation to the same plot.
Both Mr Schulz and Ms Seeney also face several charges in relation to Mr Macdonald’s death.
Mr Schulz faces one charge of murder and another of participating in a criminal group, and Ms Seeney has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder, participating in a criminal group and failing to provide digital evidence to police.
