New details have emerged about the death of Harley Barbaro, a senior member of the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang, after police were forced to draw Tasers while responding to his Parkwood home on the Gold Coast earlier this month. Authorities have confirmed the incident remains under investigation and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Emergency services were called to Barbaro's residence shortly before 8:00am on 4 July after reports that the 34-year-old had collapsed. Paramedics attempted to treat him at the scene, but he was pronounced dead a short time later. While the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, police have stated there is currently no indication of suspicious circumstances.
According to Queensland Police, officers encountered a number of people gathered inside the property when they arrived. As police established a crime scene and directed those present to leave the residence, several individuals initially refused to comply. Officers subsequently drew Tasers during the tense confrontation before escorting those present from the property. No Tasers were discharged and no arrests were made during the incident.
Investigators say everyone present at the home is now assisting police with ongoing inquiries. Because the matter is before the Coroner, authorities have declined to comment further on the circumstances surrounding Barbaro's death until investigations are complete.
Reports indicate Barbaro had attended a fight night on the Sunshine Coast the evening before his death and later returned to his Parkwood home with friends, including fellow bikie associates. His sudden death has attracted significant attention within Queensland's outlaw motorcycle gang community.
Barbaro joined the Mongols around 2018 after previously being linked with the Villains motorcycle club. During his time with the Mongols, he was involved in several high-profile legal matters, including charges under Queensland's anti-consorting laws and convictions relating to gang-related offending. He had also previously been sentenced over the assault of a former Rebels bikie outside a Gold Coast gym.
His death also highlights the tragic history of the Barbaro family, which has experienced decades of violence and loss linked to Australia's criminal underworld. Several relatives, including his grandfather, cousin and brothers, died in separate violent or tragic incidents over the past three decades.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Barbaro's death while awaiting the results of the Coroner's examination. Authorities have emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been reached regarding the medical cause of death.
