Teen drone operator charged over mistaken ID shooting

A teenager has been charged with murder, accused of operating a drone as part of a suspected botched gang hit.

Joshua Macdonald, 40, was shot dead at his home in Merrylands West in western Sydney on September 2.

Detectives believe the killing was the city's second mistaken identity shooting related to organised crime in two days.

The previous morning, attackers forced their way into a home at southwestern Glen Alpine and fatally shot 23-year-old university student Marco Talia.

Two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested in the western Sydney suburb of West Hoxton about 5.30am on Friday, NSW Police said on Saturday.

A drone seized by officers allegedly contained evidence to suggest the 18-year-old was involved in the Merrylands West shooting.

He was charged with murder, participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity.

The 19-year-old was charged with participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and driving with a suspended licence.

He was granted bail in Liverpool Local Court on Friday and will return to court on September 24.

The shooting of Mr Macdonald was at least the fifth suspected NSW mistaken identity killing since May 2025, with fears reckless overseas criminal leaders are ordering the misguided attacks.

"Police are on top of this," Acting Premier Prue Car told reporters last week.

"I do not accept this is out of control ... we will not surrender our streets to organised crime gangs," she said.

Sydney's new criminal model was both changing and difficult, Ms Catley added.

"Let's be honest here ... this is very challenging. Police are doing everything they can."