David Pye Convicted of Murdering Ex-Rebels Boss Nick Martin and Attempted Contract Killings

Pye Convicted of Nick Martin Murder, Two Attempted Contract Killings

David Pye, 43, has been found guilty in Western Australia's Supreme Court of the murder of former Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin in December 2020. He was also convicted of attempting to arrange the murders of his ex-girlfriend and another rival bikie, Raymond Cilli. A trained sniper, whose identity remains suppressed, provided critical testimony in the case.

The sniper detailed his recruitment by Pye, who had defected from the Rebels to the Comancheros, to kill Martin for $150,000. Pye appeared via video link from Hakea prison during the verdict, showing minimal emotion, while Martin's family members in court expressed relief.

Martin was shot dead by the sniper with a single bullet from over 300 meters away while watching a drag racing event at the Kwinana Motorplex. The bullet also injured Ricky Chapman, who was sitting behind Martin. Justice McGrath found Pye guilty of causing bodily harm to Chapman.

Following the shooting, Pye sent the sniper coffin and clapping emojis, and paid $100,000, less than the agreed $150,000.

The trial was heard by Justice Joseph McGrath without a jury amid heightened security. The sniper, who is serving a 20-year sentence for Martin's murder after receiving a discount for his testimony, gave evidence from a separate glass cubicle. He testified to being an experienced assassin.

Police recordings captured Pye expressing intense animosity towards Martin after Pye's defection. Martin also had a tattoo with Pye's name on a bullet, indicating mutual hatred. The defense attempted to discredit the sniper's testimony, but Justice McGrath found it credible and reliable.

Pye had previously tried to hire the sniper to kill his ex-girlfriend, but the sniper declined. He did, however, accept a $345,000 down payment to kill Raymond Cilli in Thailand, but was arrested before the plan could be executed.

Pye had been granted bail during the trial due to medication access issues but was returned to prison in late October. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for later this year.