Sydney pub shooting leaves one dead, another injured as gunman flees
Patrons at a popular inner-west Sydney pub were forced to dive for cover on Sunday evening when they heard gunfire outside, leaving one man dead and another seriously injured.
The shooting unfolded just after 6.30 pm outside The Harold in Forest Lodge, a venue well-known for its lively atmosphere and dining crowd. Witnesses reported hearing as many as 15 shots as two men were ambushed on Ross Street while walking towards their car.
One of the men, 39-year-old Gilbert Shino, died at the scene despite efforts from police, paramedics and an off-duty doctor who rushed to help. His friend, 31-year-old Maradona Yalda, was critically injured but later stabilised in hospital.
Police sources confirmed Yalda had returned to Australia only four days earlier, despite allegedly knowing there was a contract on his head. Detectives believe he has links to an Assyrian street gang, DLASTHR, though there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on his part.
Inside The Harold, diners and staff were caught in the crossfire. Windows were shattered and a car outside was riddled with bullet holes as guests scrambled for safety.
Staff quickly locked the doors while customers ducked under tables to avoid stray rounds. Superintendent Alf Sergi said: “A bullet did hit a window and narrowly missed a female staff member… it’s a narrow street there, and also the pub nearby, obviously the bullets were flying in that direction. It would have been very, very frightening for them.”
Police appeal for information
Speaking on 2GB radio, Superintendent Sergi confirmed the two men had just left the pub when the ambush occurred. “They were making their way to the car, which was parked about 100m up the road. As they got closer to the vehicle, they appear to have been ambushed. Shots fired,” he said.
Police believe the attack was targeted, possibly linked to ongoing disputes among organised crime groups. They are investigating whether it is connected to a recent firebombing in Sydney’s west.
The shooter fled in a dark-coloured vehicle, and police have not ruled out more than one person being involved. “At this stage it is not clear, so we’re working on the principle that’s this stage one gunman, but there’s possibly more,” Sergi said.
The deadly attack marks Sydney’s 13th public shooting in eight months — the fourth to end in death. Not all victims have been linked to gang networks. In one high-profile case, plumber John Versace was gunned down in his driveway in a suspected case of mistaken identity.
Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers as the Homicide Squad continues its investigation.
Jonathan Jackson, 18th August 2025
