Drone operator charged with murder of Joshua McDonald
An 18-year-old drone operator has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Joshua Macdonald in Sydney. Police arrested the suspect alongside a professional rugby player, alleging the pair were conducting further criminal surveillance at the time of their apprehension.
Why it matters
The case highlights the emerging use of consumer drone technology in criminal surveillance and organized crime activities.
— 2:07pm , first published September 12, 2026 — 6:10am
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Share A A A An 18-year-old drone operator charged over his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Joshua Macdonald in western Sydney earlier this month was allegedly conducting another criminal surveillance operation when he was arrested on Friday.
An emerging Cronulla Sharks player, 19-year-old Ratu Viliame Koroitamana, was driving a car in which the alleged drone operator was arrested on Friday. He was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified and participating in a criminal group to contribute to criminal activity. He has not been charged in relation to the Macdonald murder.
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