Man found guilty in Chinatown murders

Kyle Sparks MacKinnon convicted on two counts in 2016 late-night shooting

A Toronto jury has convicted one man — and acquitted his half-brother — in a brazen late-night double murder in Chinatown three years ago.

Kyle Sparks MacKinnon, 28, was found guilty of two counts of seconddegree murder for fatally shooting David Eminess, 26, and Quinn Taylor, 29, early Jan. 31, 2016. The victims were on Spadina Ave. with a friend who testified they were shot after he asked some strangers for directions to a Kensington Market after-hours club.

Sparks MacKinnon was also convicted of two counts of aggravated assaults. Court heard at least two gunmen sprayed Spadina Ave. with a minimum of16 bullets that sent bystanders diving for cover.

The jury retired Friday morning and returned with verdicts Sunday evening. Jurors acquitted Jahmal Richardson, 33, of all charges, though he remains in custody facing prosecution on other offences.

The pair was among a group of young men captured by security camera footage walking on Spadina when gunfire erupted outside the New Ho King restaurant. No witness could positively identify the shooters, and defence lawyers argued an associate was the triggerman.

Several witnesses testified about the distinctive clothing worn by the gunmen and Taylor’s dying words to a police officer included a description of his executioner wearing clothing similar to what Sparks MacKinnon had on that evening.

The just-completed case was not a gang-related murder trial, but police allege Richardson, whose street name is Bambino, is the leader of HOK, or Heart of A King, a street gang that evolved from a Nova Scotia gang North

Preston’s Finest.

Just as jury selection got underway in November, the judge imposed a ban on a TV station broadcasting a photo identifying a jailed Richardson holding a cellphone and posing with lobster, steak and root beer.

The publication ban lifted Friday after the jury was sequestered.

In 2016, Toronto police announced dozens of arrests stemming from Project Sizzle which targeted HOK members and associates alleged to have been involved in numerous shootings, homicides, weapons and drug trafficking and prostitution.

The gang’s activity was centred around adult entertainment establishments and bars in downtown Toronto, investigators said at the time.

Sparks MacKinnon will be sentenced next month.