An aspiring rapper was shot dead on the street after a Halloween rave, prompting a violent brawl in the middle of the night.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name ‘Peezy’, was found by members of the public with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath of Langford Street, in North Melbourne, at about 3.15am on Saturday.
It’s understood a massive fight broke out among party-goers after Mr Bidong, believed to be aged in his early 20s, was fatally shot with a 7News camera operator also allegedly assaulted.
Tributes began pouring in for Mr Bidong on social media on Saturday evening.
‘I found out he lost his life late last night. Cannot believe it,’ one person said.
‘Love you my brother… One of a kind,’ another wrote.
‘Shocking. LLP (Long Live Peezy)’ one post read.
Investigators have set up a crime scene around the industrial area, which is close to a train line, a major road and a creek.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name ‘Peezy’, was shot dead in North Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday morning
Tributes have flowed for the aspiring rapper
The man’s body was covered by a large tarp on Saturday morning as forensic officers scoured the area for evidence.
Devastated loved ones were seen hugging and making phone calls at the scene.
Victoria Police said investigators are still working to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Bidong’s death, with the gunman still on the run.
Mr Bidong was found with at least one gunshot wound
Victoria Police Crime Command Detective Acting Inspector Alan Rumble said it was a ‘horrific incident’.
‘It’s something that none of us want to experience, police or the local community,’ Mr Rumble said.
‘Our real goal here today is to … ensure that the family of the victim are supported at this horrible time, ensure the offenders are brought to account and give the local community assurance that Victoria Police take this seriously and we are here to support them.
‘We are here to appeal for witnesses, we know that there were a lot of people in the area at the time (and) we urge those witnesses to reach out and contact police.’
A violent brawl was sparked after the fatal shooting in North Melbourne
Fights had reportedly broken out at the rave when the man was shot at about 3am
Mr Rumble said there was no lingering threat to the community.
Anyone with relevant footage or information has been urged to come forward.
