Canberra, Australia – A tragic case of mistaken identity led to the death of Glenn Walewicz in mid-June 2021, as he opened his door to three masked individuals hoping to steal drugs and money. The shooter, a minor at the time of the crime, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting.
Police spent a year investigating the incident and eventually identified the individuals responsible through careful review of CCTV footage in the area. One crucial piece of evidence was a video showing a car running a red light with its headlights off, leading to the apprehension of the driver and others involved in the crime.
The shooter, now 20 years old, and two other men had planned to commit a home invasion to steal drugs and money but mistakenly targeted the wrong unit. During a sentencing hearing at the ACT Supreme Court, it was revealed that the shooter expressed a disturbing sentiment, claiming that he enjoyed the adrenaline crime gave him and felt “high on life” while committing illegal acts.
The shooter’s troubled past, marked by trauma, adversity, and instability, was highlighted in a pre-sentence report, which detailed numerous instances of child protection concerns dating back to 2007. Despite being sentenced to 13 years in prison, the shooter will only be eligible for release in 2030, after serving almost eight years behind bars.
Other individuals involved in the crime, including Gary Taylor, Jayden Williams, Reatile Ncube, and Nicole Williams, received varying degrees of sentences for their roles in the fatal shooting. While some have been sentenced to prison terms, others have had their sentences suspended, awaiting further legal proceedings.
As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the senseless loss of Glenn Walewicz, a victim of mistaken identity whose life was tragically cut short. The outcome of the case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of criminal actions and the importance of justice in holding individuals accountable for their deeds.