Two men sentenced to 34 years for Melbourne cafe assassination of underworld figure Gavin Preston

Jaeden Tito and Rabii Zahabe gunned down Preston in broad daylight at Sweet Lulu's cafe; judge says attack was 'meticulously planned' and carried out with 'callous disregard' for life

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By LineZotpaper

Published8 September 2026

Read Time2 min

Two men have each been sentenced to 34 years in prison for the brazen daylight murder of underworld figure Gavin 'Capable' Preston outside a Melbourne cafe in September 2023. Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, were found guilty in May of killing Preston and attempting to murder his friend AJ Maghnie. The Supreme Court heard the pair were hired as contract killers by an unknown enemy and drove from New South Wales to carry out the attack.

Preston, 50, was waiting to eat breakfast at Sweet Lulu's cafe in Keilor on September 9, 2023 when Tito and Zahabe pulled up in a stolen car and opened fire, causing patrons to flee. CCTV captured the shooting.

During the trial, lawyers for the men argued they were not the shooters, but a jury rejected that defence. As the pair travelled down the Hume Freeway toward Sydney afterwards, one was heard saying 'we are brothers now'. Zahabe also searched the internet for 'no extradition countries' and prayers seeking forgiveness.

Justice Michael O'Connell said the murder had been 'meticulously planned' and carried out with a 'ruthless and callous disregard for the value of human life'. He noted Preston's criminal history but emphasised his life deserved equal protection under the law. The public nature of the attack was a 'significant aggravating feature', he added.

The sentences of 34 years exceed the standard 25-year term, with Justice O'Connell citing premeditation, financial motive and high moral culpability. Tito received a non-parole period of 26 years; Zahabe, 27 years. Both have been declared serious violent offenders. Tito, a New Zealand immigrant, now faces deportation. Zahabe fidgeted and closed his eyes as the sentence was delivered.

Prosecutors had sought life imprisonment. The judge noted restrictive prison conditions for the men's safety somewhat mitigated the sentence, but stated they had shown no remorse. The identity of the person who ordered the killing remains unknown.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Public safety: The brazen daylight shooting in a suburban cafe highlights the reach of organised crime and its potential to endanger innocent bystanders.
Deterrence & justice: The 34-year sentences send a strong message about the consequences of contract killings, but also raise questions about the effectiveness of long sentences in disrupting underworld networks.
Ongoing investigation: With the mastermind still unidentified, there is risk of further violence or unresolved accountability.

Background

Melbourne has a history of underworld feuds and gangland killings, notably the "gangland wars" of the early 2000s. Gavin Preston was a known figure in criminal circles, but the precise motive for his murder remains unclear. Contract killings are rare in Australia, and the use of interstate hitmen adds complexity to law enforcement responses.

Key Perspectives

Prosecution: Argued for life imprisonment, emphasising the premeditation, financial motive, and the trauma inflicted on witnesses and the community. Defence: Did not dispute the killing but argued their clients were not the shooters, though the jury rejected this. The judge cited a lack of remorse. Judiciary: Justice O'Connell balanced the gravity of the offence with mitigating factors such as restrictive prison conditions, but set non-parole periods well above standard.

What to Watch

Any appeal against the sentences by either Tito or Zahabe.
Whether police identify and prosecute the person who ordered the murder.
Deportation proceedings for Tito and its intersection with his prison term.

Sources

Melbourne cafe killers jailed for 34 years over Gavin Preston murder — Just In