Man jailed for killing over $534 speeding fine dispute

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 05:32 · Archive

A man has been jailed for fatally shooting another man in a dispute over unpaid speeding fines in Melbourne.

Adrian Romeo, 42, was fatally shot in the back by Robert Mantini on February 10, 2024, at Mantini's home in Greenvale, in Melbourne's north. Romeo had gone to collect payment for two $267 speeding fines that Mantini had incurred while using a car Romeo had hired him. Mantini had paid about $100 of the $534 total owed.

When Romeo arrived, Mantini retrieved a pump-action shotgun and pointed it at him inside the home. Romeo pleaded with him 'not to do this' before being struck in the back with the shotgun. As Romeo retreated to the door, Mantini fired a single round into his back, killing him. Mantini then bundled the body into the trunk of his gold Camry and drove it to the home of his friend Shane Dalton, 66.

Dalton helped move and conceal Romeo's body, and provided Mantini a demolition saw. The body was then desecrated and burnt. Dalton also alerted Mantini when homicide detectives arrived at his home, and organised for Mantini to swap cars and clothes with another friend to avoid arrest.

Mantini pleaded guilty to homicide by firearm, a form of manslaughter, and was jailed for a minimum of nine years and two months. Dalton pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and was handed a ten-month term and a community sentence.

How it is being reported

• Speeding fines dispute triggered killing of family manA killer and his accomplice have been jailed after a beloved family man was fatally shot in the back while trying to recoup payment for two speeding fines.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 05:01
• Speeding fines dispute triggered killing of family manA killer and his accomplice have been jailed after a beloved family man was fatally shot in the back while trying to recoup payment for two speeding fines.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 05:01

In this story: Adrian Romeo · Robert Mantini · Shane Dalton · Greenvale · Melbourne

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