Gavin “Capable” Preston was a notorious Melbourne gangland figure whose life became closely associated with violence, organized crime, and the city’s volatile underworld. Born on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 1973 and raised in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Preston developed a serious criminal record from a young age. By 18, he had already been convicted of violent offenses including assault and armed robbery, setting the course for a life marked by repeated encounters with the criminal justice system and extended periods in maximum-security prisons, including Pentridge.
Preston later became a prominent figure in Melbourne’s gangland milieu and was linked to several high-profile violent incidents. His criminal history included involvement in the 2011 shooting of former Bandidos bikie Toby Mitchell and the fatal 2012 shooting of ice dealer Adam Khoury, also known as Adam Curri. Preston was sentenced to 11 years in prison for defensive homicide and was released in February 2023, having spent much of his adult life in custody.
His release, however, was short-lived. On September 9, 2023, just six months after leaving prison, the 50-year-old Preston was shot dead in broad daylight outside Sweet Lulu’s cafe in Keilor Village, Melbourne. The killing was subsequently investigated as a targeted contract assassination, culminating in the prosecution of two interstate hitmen. In May 2026, a jury found both men guilty, and the gunmen were ultimately sentenced to 34 years in prison, bringing a major legal development in the case surrounding Preston’s death.
Gavin “Capable” Preston Early Life
Gavin “Capable” Preston was born in 1973 on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia. Although his early years began in Queensland, he later moved to Victoria and grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The environment in which he came of age would eventually place him close to some of Melbourne’s more troubled and crime-affected circles, although details about his family life, parents, and childhood circumstances have remained largely outside the public record.
Preston’s involvement with the criminal justice system began at a remarkably young age. By the time he was 18, he had already accumulated an extensive record that included violent offenses such as assault and armed robbery. His early offending established a pattern of criminal behavior that would continue into adulthood, with violence becoming a recurring feature of his dealings with both rivals and the authorities.
As his criminal activities escalated, Preston spent significant periods behind bars, including time in maximum-security institutions such as Pentridge Prison. His years in custody formed a substantial part of his early adult life and contributed to his reputation as a hardened and intimidating figure within Melbourne’s underworld. By adulthood, Preston had become associated with the violent gangland culture for which he would later become notorious.
Gavin “Capable” Preston Criminal History and Case
Gavin “Capable” Preston developed a substantial criminal record from his teenage years, with his early convictions including assault and armed robbery. His offending became increasingly associated with violence, and he spent lengthy periods in custody, including time in maximum-security prisons such as Pentridge. Over the years, Preston became connected to Melbourne’s violent underworld and was involved in several incidents that attracted significant police and media attention.
One of the high-profile episodes associated with Preston was the 2011 shooting of former Bandidos bikie Toby Mitchell. The following year, in 2012, Preston fatally shot ice dealer Adam Khoury, also known as Adam Curri. Preston was subsequently convicted of defensive homicide and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He remained incarcerated for more than a decade before being released in February 2023, returning to Melbourne after years spent behind bars.
Preston’s freedom lasted only about six months. On September 9, 2023, the 50-year-old was shot and killed in broad daylight outside Sweet Lulu’s cafe in Keilor Village, Melbourne. Investigators subsequently treated the killing as a targeted contract assassination and traced the alleged execution to two interstate hitmen. In May 2026, a jury found both men guilty of carrying out the killing, and the gunmen received prison sentences of 34 years, marking a significant development in the investigation into Preston’s death.
Gavin “Capable” Preston The 2026 Convictions in His Killing
The case surrounding Gavin “Capable” Preston’s death returned to the spotlight in 2026 after two interstate hitmen were brought before a jury over the targeted shooting that claimed his life. Preston had been killed in broad daylight outside Sweet Lulu’s cafe in Keilor Village on September 9, 2023, only six months after his release from prison. The circumstances of the shooting and the allegation that it was a planned contract killing renewed public interest in the former Melbourne gangland figure and his violent criminal history.
In May 2026, the prosecution reached a major milestone when a jury found the two accused gunmen guilty of executing the targeted killing. The convictions provided a significant legal development in a case that had remained under investigation since Preston’s death. Their prosecution also shifted attention away from the circumstances of Preston’s own criminal past toward the question of who had organized and carried out his assassination.
The gunmen were subsequently sentenced to 34 years in prison, underscoring the seriousness with which the court treated the planned killing. The convictions and lengthy sentences brought renewed media attention to Preston’s story, particularly because of the contrast between his recent release from an 11-year prison term and his death just months later. His killing and the subsequent court proceedings have therefore remained a notable chapter in Melbourne’s long-running gangland history.
Gavin “Capable” Preston Personal Life and Family
Gavin “Capable” Preston kept much of his personal and family life away from the public record. Although his criminal activities and connections within Melbourne’s underworld attracted considerable media attention, comparatively little reliable information has been publicly documented about his parents, siblings, children, or other close relatives. He was born on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 1973 before growing up in Melbourne’s western suburbs, but details about his family background and upbringing remain limited.
Much of Preston’s adult life was shaped by his involvement in the criminal justice system. His repeated periods in custody, including lengthy imprisonment in maximum-security facilities, meant that his personal relationships developed against the backdrop of a highly publicized and often violent criminal career. There is no sufficiently documented public record establishing the name of a wife, long-term partner, or fiancé that can be stated with confidence.
At the time of his death on September 9, 2023, Preston was 50 years old. His killing outside Sweet Lulu’s cafe in Keilor Village brought renewed attention to his personal history as well as his criminal past, but reporting surrounding the case has largely focused on the circumstances of the shooting, his underworld associations, and the subsequent prosecution of the alleged hitmen. Consequently, information about Preston’s immediate family and private relationships remains largely undisclosed.
Gavin “Capable” Preston Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Gavin “Capable” Preston was born in 1973 and was 50 years old when he was shot and killed on September 9, 2023, in Melbourne. His age placed him among a generation of Melbourne underworld figures whose criminal careers extended across several decades.
Preston was Australian by nationality. He was born on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and later grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Victoria. His religious beliefs or affiliation were not publicly documented, and there is no reliable public record identifying a particular faith.
His exact height has not been publicly confirmed in available law-enforcement or court records. Media descriptions and photographs, however, portrayed Preston as a stocky, heavily built and muscular frame. He was also recognizable for his extensive tattoos, closely cropped or shaved hair, and rugged appearance. In later years, he was frequently seen in athletic or casual designer clothing, while his broad build and intimidating presence contributed to his distinctive public image.
Gavin “Capable” Preston Legacy
Gavin “Capable” Preston remains a controversial figure in the history of Melbourne’s gangland underworld. His life was marked by a progression from serious offending at a young age to involvement in some of the city’s most notorious violent incidents. His criminal convictions, lengthy imprisonment and associations with underworld figures ensured that his name became closely linked with the violent reputation of Melbourne’s criminal underworld.
His death in September 2023 added another chapter to that legacy. Being shot in broad daylight outside a cafe only months after his release from prison highlighted the continuing dangers surrounding organized crime and longstanding underworld conflicts. The subsequent investigation and prosecution of two interstate hitmen, who were convicted in 2026 and sentenced to 34 years each, further cemented the case as a significant episode in Melbourne’s modern gangland history.
Ultimately, Preston’s legacy is defined less by personal achievement than by the violence and criminal activity that surrounded his life and death. His story illustrates how involvement in organized crime can extend across decades, through imprisonment, rivalries and ultimately targeted violence. The convictions arising from his killing have also ensured that his death continues to form part of the broader record of Melbourne’s long-running gangland era.
Conclusion
Gavin “Capable” Preston’s life was shaped by crime, violence, imprisonment and his connections to Melbourne’s underworld, beginning with serious offending in his youth and culminating in his highly publicized death at the age of 50. After serving 11 years for defensive homicide and being released in February 2023, Preston was killed just six months later in what investigators identified as a targeted contract killing. The subsequent convictions and 34-year sentences imposed on the two interstate hitmen in 2026 brought a major legal conclusion to the case, while Preston’s story remains a stark chapter in the history of Melbourne gangland violence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gavin “Capable” Preston
Who was Gavin “Capable” Preston?
Gavin “Capable” Preston was an Australian criminal and notorious Melbourne gangland figure known for his involvement in violent underworld activity and several high-profile criminal cases.
How old was Gavin Preston when he died?
Gavin Preston was 50 years old when he was killed on September 9, 2023. He was born in 1973.
When and how did Gavin Preston die?
Gavin Preston was shot and killed on September 9, 2023, outside Sweet Lulu’s cafe in Keilor Village, Melbourne. His death was investigated as a targeted killing.
Why was Gavin Preston in prison?
Preston served 11 years in prison after being convicted of defensive homicide in connection with the 2012 fatal shooting of Adam Khoury, also known as Adam Curri.
When was Gavin Preston released from prison?
Gavin Preston was released from prison in February 2023, approximately six months before his death.
Who killed Gavin “Capable” Preston?
Two interstate hitmen were prosecuted for carrying out Preston’s targeted killing. In May 2026, a jury found both men guilty, and they received 34-year prison sentences.
What was Gavin Preston known for?
Preston was known for his involvement in Melbourne’s criminal underworld, his violent criminal history, the 2011 shooting of former Bandidos bikie Toby Mitchell, and the 2012 fatal shooting of Adam Khoury.
Where was Gavin Preston born?
Gavin Preston was born on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia, and later grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
What was Gavin Preston’s nationality?
Gavin Preston was Australian.
What was Gavin Preston’s religion?
His religion was not publicly documented in reliable court or police records.
How tall was Gavin Preston?
Preston’s exact height has not been publicly confirmed. Media descriptions portrayed him as a stocky, heavily built and physically imposing man.
Did Gavin Preston have a family?
Details about Preston’s immediate family and private relationships are limited in the public record. Reliable sources do not establish the names of his parents, siblings, children, wife or fiancé with sufficient certainty.