Grieving family members have broken their silence to pay tribute to slain council worker Marty Sheahan.
Workplace revenge is being investigated as a possible motive for a murder-suicide in which a loving father was shot dead on his doorstep.
Yarra Ranges Council worker Marty Sheahan, 57, was shot by a disgruntled former colleague at his Clarke Ave home in Warburton on Wednesday night, just metres from his wife Mandy Brown.
The gunman — who soon afterwards killed himself nearby — carried out the execution after years of festering over an incident at the council.
The Herald Sun has been told the man, also 57, had stolen a chainsaw from the council and Mr Sheahan had been involved in his sacking.
Friends of Mr Sheahan said he had spoken about the ex-colleague over the years but no one could have imagined it would end in murder.
One of Mr Sheahan’s children, Bean, said their father was their “idol”.
“The very last thing you told me was how you loved me so very much, gave me the biggest hug (as per usual), and now I wish I never let go,” Bean wrote on social media.
“I really wish this was some sort of a sick dream. I love you Dad, I will never ever stop loving you, and no person’s actions can take that away.”
Neighbours were in shock over the killing, describing Mr Sheahan as one of the kindest people they had ever met.
Jena Bedson said he was a “beautiful person” as she laid flowers and a card at his home.
“He wasn’t someone who was harbouring anything bizarre or weird,” she said.
“He was an ordinary guy and this was completely senseless.”
Residents heard two gunshots at close range before a car sped off from the street about 8.30pm on Wednesday.
Moments later Ms Brown could be heard crying and the street was filled with police.
The gunman took his life a short time later inside the female public toilets at Wesburn Park, about 10 minutes away.
His vehicle, bearing NSW number plates, was towed from the scene on Thursday.
Yarra Ranges Council chief executive Tammi Rose said the council offered its deepest sympathies to all family and friends, and said staff were reeling in shock.
“Marty had been with council for six years and was a much-valued member of our infrastructure services department,” she said.
Source: Herald Sun
