Mystery as man found dead at nightclub owner's home

Darren Thornburgh's death, a year after his ex-wife's home was shot at (left), is being treated as suspicious. Photo / 9 News / Supplied

The body of entrepreneur nightclub owner Darren Thornburgh has reportedly been found at his own home - a year after his ex-wife was targeted in a drive-by shooting.

Seven News reported Thornburgh died from a single gunshot wound to the face. His body was found lying on a mattress on the front porch.

The death comes after Thornburgh's nightclub in Prahran was shot at a year ago, while a week later the home of his ex-wife in Melbourne was peppered with bullets.

Detective Inspector David Griffin said at the time he believed the offender or offenders were trying to send a message.

"It would appear that certainly someone is not happy with something that's going on and is clearly trying to send a message," he told reporters in October last year.

Thornburgh (left) owns nightclub Prahran, and local watering hole the Barmah Hotel. Photo / Getty Images

A resident told 9 News Thornburgh was in the town at least once a month.

"He's usually here for a couple of days but he stayed here for a week, I don't know what's going on," the resident said.

Four bullets were fired at the home of Thornburgh's ex-wife Denise and daughter Mia, 13, in an early-morning drive-by raid a year ago. Photo / 9 News

The damage at Thornburgh's ex-wife's house a year ago was caused by gunfire, but Thornburgh blamed the broken windows on kids throwing rocks.

Thornburgh's ex-wife and their daughter were inside at the time, but were not injured.

Investigations into the body found on Monday afternoon are ongoing.