The calm, seaside suburb of Rye in the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria was the setting of one of the most violent home invasions that left two people dead in the early hours of December 2, 2024. Things started at dawn in a tussle but turned tragic and necessitated a high profile murder investigation. Days after the events as authorities put together the events of that morning there was a notice of the change in the feeling of safety in residents and in the call to provide information to help in the case which was one of the most high-profile crimes in the region.
Morning After Mayhem: What We Know So Far
The emergency services were called to a home in Parson Street in Rye at 4.15 am, after a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, the officers found 29-year-old Jackson Gilmour of the house and 19-year-old Charlyze “Charlie” Hayter of Mornington with gunshot injuries. Both were pronounced dead on the spot.
Victoria Police has indicated an early assessment that it is a targeted attack, and all victims and the perpetrator were likely to know each other well, and urged the population to report dashcam or CCTV videos, which could help in the investigation.
The Violent Escalation
Initial accounts and statements made by homicide detectives indicate it was the arrival of Hayter and an unidentified companion at the house of Gilmour that led to a confrontation. In one story, Hayter (allegedly) held a baton on Gilmour and said that he wanted some money or goods. Gilmour has then counted on a shotgun in his self-defence, which led to the murder of her. The other male attacker is suspected to have fired on Gilmour and then escaped.
Police believe there is still a possibility that the unknown criminal is still in possession of his weapon and are thus still searching to find him without asking anyone to confront him.
Arrests and Charges
Two men in Narre Warren, 24 and 25 years old, were arrested and charged with murder, aggravated home invasion, and armed robbery in December 2024 . On February 1, 2025, a third man (28 years old) in Narre Warren was also charged with the same offences. Each of the three men will be heard in Melbourne Magistrates Court later in 2025.
Court records showed that Jarod Smit (25) stole a duffle bag worth about 100 as well as 100 cash and money cards off Gilmour and that a calibre rifle was used to commit the crime. Three suspects have been named as the key suspects in the case: Smit, Mason Matticoli (24) and Tyler Vandesteeg (29).
A Confession Recorded
Tyler Vandesteeg is heard saying in a shocking turn of events, that he killed someone the night of the incident by recording a video confession on his phone, saying I f—ing murdered someone, yeah. He was spotted in a pair of bloodied sneakers that had the same brand as the one of the scene. Police even got DNA to match him on shotgun cartridges, and telecommunications details positioned his telephone around the vicinity of others that night. Vandesteeg is in jail and his bail appeal has made reference to bipolar disorder and history of substance abuse; his appeal is still pending in the Supreme Court.
Community Shock and Response
A small peaceful family friendly coastal town of Rye was rattled. Residents said they heard a loud bang like someone fired a shotgun, but did not think much of it until first responders showed up in the quiet neighbourhood. The loss of Hayter and Gilmour appeared to only cause further disarray and worry in Australian Mornington Peninsula since the two people were supposedly familiar to the perpetrators.
The police publicly appealed to neighbors to provide information as the case, it seemed, was specifically targeted and not representing a broader danger to the surrounding population. This was given the intensity of the pursuit of the other suspects.
Legal Road Ahead
The three suspects are facing serious charges including murder, armed robbery, and aggravated home invasion and are set to appear in court next year. A committal hearing will decide whether there is enough evidence to take a full trial.
In the case, prosecution claims that the case is heavy as there is video confession evidence along with DNA along with mobile data, whereas the defense of Vandesteeg is seeking bail on the pretext of entering into a rehabilitation program.
Broader Implications
Although the police are describing the case as a targeted incident among people known to each other, the incident gives rise to wider issues about the risk of drug-related violence and invasion of homes; even in areas marked by coastline-suburbs. Police have warned people to be on alert, particularly in regards to any weapons that are not property in safekeeping.
Conclusion
The Rye shootings in December 2024 consisted of literally breaking the illusion of safety in the typical peaceful community. Now two people killed and several suspects already charged, it highlights not only the tragic outcome of violent resolution that people sometimes have to get to but also how important timely investigative efforts can be. Community go-getting of information is thus necessary as the legal procedure progresses, and the case acts as a reminder that there must be a targeted confrontation which can turn out to be deadly even in small towns.
