13 year old shooter & possible links to organised crime

WA Police are investigating whether a 13 year old boy accused of firing more than 20 shots into an occupied Gosnells home was recruited by an organised crime group and supplied with a semi automatic firearm.

The development raises serious questions about the possible involvement of adults in the alleged shooting, which occurred on Bert Street about 12:40am on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

7 people, including children, were inside the residence when gunfire struck the property.

1 adult man suffered minor injuries from shattered glass and required hospital treatment.

The teenager, originally from Victoria, has been charged with eight offences and remains before the Children’s Court.

Detectives examine possible underworld recruitment

According to an ABC News investigation published on 20 October 2026, detectives believe the teenager may have been recruited by an underworld organisation to carry out the shooting.

The ABC reports that the boy was allegedly provided with arrangements for collecting and returning a firearm, with instructions understood to have been communicated electronically.

The reporting also indicates that the occupants of the Gosnells home may not have been the intended targets.

Police have not publicly identified an alleged organiser, confirmed a particular criminal organisation was responsible or announced charges against any adult in connection with the suspected recruitment.

If the suspected arrangement is substantiated, it would raise questions extending beyond the teenager’s alleged actions to the people who may have supplied the firearm and directed the shooting.

A semi automatic firearm still missing

Police allege the teenager used a semi automatic carbine rifle to fire at the residence.

CCTV audio obtained by ABC News captured what sounded like 27 gunshots.

Investigators subsequently identified damage to a bedroom window, exterior walls and other parts of the property.

The firearm had not been recovered when police provided their public update on Monday, and the ABC reported that it remained missing on Tuesday.

The reported weapon type is particularly concerning because semi automatic rifles of this classification are subject to strict controls in Western Australia.

Bevan Steele, president of the WA Firearm Traders Association, told the ABC that the alleged weapon was highly restricted and not available through ordinary civilian firearm licensing arrangements in WA.

However, the precise origin of the firearm has not been established.

It remains unknown whether it was unlawfully imported, stolen, transferred or obtained through another illegal channel.

Teenager was already on bail in Victoria

The teenager appeared briefly before Perth Children’s Court on Monday, 19 October 2026.

The court heard he was already on bail for separate alleged offences in Victoria.

He did not apply for bail during that appearance and prosecutors indicated they would oppose any future application.

The eight charges include unlawful use of a firearm, endangering life, possession of stolen property and driving without authority.

He is expected to return to court next week.

The existing Victorian proceedings and the new WA charges are separate legal matters. Being on bail does not, by itself, establish that an interstate authority failed to comply with its responsibilities.

The ABC also reports that the teenager had moved to Western Australia only weeks before the Gosnells incident.

Who supplied the gun?

The investigation has shifted attention to how a child allegedly gained access to a restricted firearm and whether an adult was involved.

Police Minister Reece Whitby has publicly expressed concern that someone so young could allegedly access a firearm and become involved in a shooting.

The case also raises broader issues about the identification and protection of young people who may be vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks.

Investigation continues

Police have not announced charges against any alleged organiser, nor have they confirmed the recovery of the firearm.

Anyone with relevant information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.