Man, 24, fatally shot in Scarborough described as 'always giving'
A 24-year-old man found dead in a Scarborough parking lot early Saturday suffered multiple gunshot wounds in what police say was a targeted incident.
Police were called to the Chester Le Boulevard and Morecambe Gate area, near Victoria Park Avenue and Finch Avenue East, for reports of the sound of gunfire around 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning — but didn't locate a victim at the time.
It wasn't until daylight, around 8 a.m., that a neighbourhood resident discovered the body of the victim, who was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
"Obviously his family is quite distraught at this time," Det. Jason Shankaran told reporters at the scene.
Police said they are yet not releasing the victim's name until next of kin are notified. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
"They are looking for answers as we are as to why this happened," he said.
Investigators are reviewing security camera footage in the hopes of identifying two suspects, who they say fled on foot. They don't believe there is a threat to public safety, Shankaran said.
As news emerged of the shooting, family and friends could be seen going in and out of the home where the victim lived with his family, on Chester Le Boulevard.
Nidun Kumar was one of them. He told reporters he'd known the victim since elementary school and had never seen him get into any trouble.
Kumar said he last spoke to the victim just a couple of weeks ago to let him know about an opportunity to play basketball at Seneca College. The two spoke about meeting up again soon, he said.
"Honestly he was just one of the greatest guys you could ever meet, never [got] angry. He was always happy, always giving. Anytime he had anything, he'd offer, even if he didn't have much," he said.
That, in part, is why the death has sent shock waves through the community.
"The way he was, is how everyone should be," Kumar said. "His mom must be an amazing lady to raise him like that."
The shooting follows another one in the same area on Thursday evening.
In that incident, police said the men suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to a trauma centre.
Police have not said if the two shootings are related in any way.
"Obviously this neighbourhood has had its share of tragedy lately, so we're going to work hard to solve this," Shankaran said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
