A FATAL shooting in Melbourne's north was not a random attack, Victoria Police say.

Korey Kesici, 22, was shot dead in Mickleham's Bangalore Way just after midnight on Thursday.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said Mr Kesici left his home and had a short discussion with a group of men in a BMW sedan before he was shot multiple times. 

The men left in the sedan, Mr Frewen said, with the car later found burnt out about 600 metres away. 

"It was more than a simple street exchange," Mr Frewen told reporters. 

"The people that arrived in that street at that time came prepared for violence. They were armed.

"Korey had a connection with those people in that BMW. We're working through what that connection may be."

Mr Frewen said detectives were also investigating a double fatal stabbing in the northern Melbourne suburb of Brunswick.

A 59-year-old man and another man in his early 50s were killed at a Hope Street apartment complex about 5.20am.

A 44-year-old woman, who was covered in blood, was arrested on a tram in Carlton a short time later. 

The woman, who is yet to be interviewed by police, is being treated in hospital for minor injuries.

Detectives were still investigating any connection between the two men and the woman, Mr Frewen said.

"At this point in time, investigators are not looking for anyone else involved so there's no immediate risk to public safety," he said.

Detectives would assess the complex Brunswick crime scene for some hours, Mr Frewen said.

"Some blood trails might be in an area that is blind to police or investigators," he said.

"We'd be very grateful if people could come forward and provide that insight. Those little pieces help complete the picture."

Police believe the shooting and the two stabbings are not connected.