Man killed in Rexdale brings homicide total to eight in 2019

A 28-year-old man was shot dead late Wednesday night in Rexdale, police say.

Shortly before 11 p.m., police said they received a call reporting gunshots in the area of Bergamot Ave., close to the intersection of Islington Ave. and Rexdale Blvd. When they arrived, they found the victim outside on the ground near several residential buildings. He was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital, where he later died. Two men in hoodies were seen fleeing the area, Toronto police homicide Det. Leslie Dunkley told reporters at the scene. One man fled south on foot, while the other was seen driving south on Bergamot Ave. towards Rexdale Blvd., Dunkley said.

“The only description we have at this point in regards to the suspects are two males wearing hoodies. As far as the vehicle, it’s a green- or tan-coloured latemodel SUV,” he said.

The victim was not from the area, police said. They are waiting to notify next of kin.

Investigators are canvassing for any footage of the incident and asking any witnesses to come forward.

Despite the victim’s injuries, Dunkley said police and witnesses heard a single gunshot. “That’s what we heard, that’s what witnesses are reporting. And again two suspects seen fleeing the scene. That’s what we have at this point,” Dunkley said.

Sgt. Stephanie Burritt of Toronto Police Service 23 Division said this incident is being treated as a homicide.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators.

The man is the victim of the city’s eighth homicide of 2019; the fifth victim of a fatal shooting. Including him, six men and two women have been killed in Toronto so far this year.

In 2018, Toronto broke its record for homicides in a single year, with 96 in total.