A Deadly Shooting Rocks Australian Sign Shop Inline National Signage Following Dispute
SYDNEY — March 8, 2016 — More questions than answers remain after three patrons at a signage shop in Ingleburn, south west, were shot by an employee on Monday, leaving one person dead. The gunman later took his own life during a six-hour hostage standoff, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Michael Bassal, 43, died at Inline National Signage after being shot by a semi-automatic weapon fired by Wayne Williams. Bassal's two brothers, Mark and Terry, were also shot by Williams and were taken to Liverpool Hospital, where one was listed in critical condition.
According to the newspaper, Michael Bassal had gone to the print shop to seek a refund for signage he had ordered for his construction business, as the work had not been completed. Bassal went to a meeting room to discuss the issue with Peter and Wayne Williams, father-and-son employees of Inline National Signage. Also present was company owner Chantelle Tonna.
An argument quickly ensued, the Herald reported, and Peter Williams discharged a warning shot from his gun. Bassal left, only to return 10 minutes later with his brothers. When they did, the Bassals were encountered by Wayne Williams, who was armed with an SKS assault rifle. Williams sprayed gunfire into all three men, killing Michael Bassal while seriously injuring his brothers, who were able to escape.
When police stormed the building at 5 p.m. local time, roughly six hours following the shooting, they found Wayne Williams dead of an apparent suicide. As it was previously not known that Wayne Williams was dead, police were attempting to negotiate the release of employees. Three trapped employees — including one who was on his first day on the job — hid in various parts of the building.
Peter Williams was arrested for firing the warning shot. Tonna was charged with concealing a serious, indictable offense — she allegedly did not cooperate with police.
