Two teenage boys have been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of 23-year-old university student Marco Tapia at his family home in Sydney, in what police allege was a case of mistaken identity.

Tapia was shot inside the family’s home in Glen Alpine shortly before 4 a.m. on September 1. Police were called after reports of a home invasion and found Tapia suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

After an extensive investigation, detectives determined that the property may have been targeted by mistake. Two boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder.

Police do not allege that either teenager fired the weapon. Investigators instead allege that the boys played other roles in the operation and were involved in what authorities describe as a joint criminal enterprise.

Both teenagers have also been charged with participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity, possessing an unauthorised firearm and driving vehicles without the owners’ consent.

The 14-year-old faces an additional charge of damaging property with fire or an explosion.

Police allege that three main offenders entered the home during the alleged invasion and carried out the shooting. Investigators say the two teenagers helped prepare vehicles, transported alleged offenders and supplied a firearm.

Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, commander of the New South Wales Police homicide squad, said investigators believe the case had characteristics associated with organised crime.

Although the teenagers were allegedly not present during the shooting itself, Doueihi said police would argue that their actions made them part of a joint criminal enterprise and therefore liable for the alleged murder.

Police further allege that one of the boys set fire to a vehicle used in the attack. Investigators said he was injured after apparently burning himself and was subsequently taken to hospital.

The teenagers appeared in a children’s court on Thursday and did not apply for bail. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance, scheduled for November 13.

Tapia’s parents have spoken publicly about their son’s death, describing the impact of the shooting on their family.

His mother, Claudia, said she remembered being present when her son took his final breath. His father, Sergio, described Tapia as a caring and loving young man and questioned why his life had been taken.

The shooting came amid a series of violent incidents in Sydney. New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon said authorities would continue working to identify those responsible for the violence.

The investigation and court proceedings are continuing.

SOURCE: The Guardian, Nick Visser, September 17, 2026. Additional reporting by Australian Associated Press.