Family worried for man missing since Melbourne shooting

The family of Khaled Malas, a 37-year-old man from Melbourne, is deeply concerned for his welfare after he went missing following a shooting incident in the city's north-west. The beloved father of young children was last seen on August 19, around 7:20pm, when he was allegedly shot in the chest during a dispute at a home in Wildwood.

Mohammed Aboueid, 56, has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury for the act that led to Mr Malas's disappearance. He made his first appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday night and is scheduled to return for further proceedings in November.

Aboueid's alleged motive for the shooting is said to stem from a $500,000 debt, though police have expressed significant concerns about Mr Malas's welfare, suggesting it is likely he has succumbed to his injuries. A close friend of Malas, who spoke to the ABC, described him as a successful auto truck electrician and a humble, hard-working man who adored his family. "It's such horrible news," the friend lamented. "Khaled was a humble hard-working man that loved his young family, it's absolutely devastating."

Police are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist with their ongoing search efforts.