Melbourne gangster's family named as execution suspects

Police markers and tape are seen at the crime scene where Des Moran was shot dead. Photo / Getty Images

The daylight execution of Melbourne underworld figure Desmond "Tuppence" Moran appears to be a family affair.

Two women, aged 64 and 45, and a 43-year-old man were to appear in court late yesterday charged in connection with the killing.

Police would not name them, but the Age newspaper's website identified them as Moran's sister-in-law Judy Moran, Suzie Kane, sister-in-law to another slain Moran, Jason, and her boyfriend, Geoff "Nuts" Armour.

Armour was expected to be charged with murder, and Moran and Kane with being accessories after the fact.

Detectives are still hunting a man alleged to be the second gunman involved in the hit on Moran as he left his favourite delicatessen on Union Rd in the northern Melbourne suburb of Ascot Vale.

The three arrested yesterday live in the same suburb.

The Moran family was one of the leading clans in Melbourne's gangland wars that over a decade killed more than 30 underworld figures.

Investigations later snared corrupt state police officers in a scandal that shook the force.

The killings formed the basis of the Underbelly television series.

Desmond Moran, 61, was the brother of Judy's husband, Lewis Moran, and uncle of Jason and Mark.

All were killed by rival gangsters - Lewis Moran as he, like Desmond, visited his favourite cafe.

Desmond Moran had survived unhurt from an earlier attempt on his life, when a gunman fired into his car as he sat chatting with a friend outside his home in March.

At about midday on Monday two gunman approached Moran at the Union Rd deli, fired four shots at him, and fled.

Detectives said they did not believe the killing was related to the gang wars.