A tragic incident unfolded in Etobicoke, Ont., earlier this month when a 14-year-old boy was charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting that claimed the lives of two men and injured three others outside a school.
The shooting occurred on June 2 just before 11 p.m. in the parking lot behind North Albion Collegiate Institute, where a group of nine men had gathered after a soccer game. Two suspects opened fire indiscriminately at the group before fleeing in a dark pickup truck, according to Detective-Sergeant Phillip Campbell.
Five people were found at the scene with gunshot wounds, with Delroy “George” Parkes and Seymour Gibbs sustaining life-threatening injuries. Tragically, Mr. Parkes passed away shortly after being admitted to the hospital, while Mr. Gibbs succumbed to medical complications related to his injuries a few days later.
The three other men injured in the shooting were treated for non-life-threatening wounds, but one remains in critical condition with injuries that will have long-term consequences.
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The community was left devastated by the senseless violence that took the lives of two innocent individuals. Detective-Sergeant Campbell emphasized that there is no known connection between the victims and the suspects, with the motive for the shooting remaining unclear.
Suspect Arrested
Following a stolen vehicle investigation, the 14-year-old suspect was apprehended on June 3, shortly after the shooting. The teen, who remains unidentified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was captured while fleeing from the vehicle.
Details linking the stolen vehicle to the mass shooting or connecting the youth to the killings were not disclosed by Det.-Sgt. Campbell. The boy has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Mr. Parkes and Mr. Gibbs, as well as seven counts of attempted murder for the other victims.
Det.-Sgt. Campbell urged the community to come forward with any information they may have about the incident, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in solving the case.
Superintendent Ron Taverner of Toronto Police 23 Division echoed the call for information, acknowledging the extraordinary nature of the shootings involving a 14-year-old suspect.
“We can’t do it alone,” Supt. Taverner stated. “Please help us solve this case and bring closure to the families affected by this tragedy.”
The community’s support for the victims and their families was praised, with Supt. Taverner emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for answers in this heartbreaking event.
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