Police post video of brazen murder
Scarborough man shot outside building while waiting for ride to work
Homicide detectives and the family of a 45-year-old man who was shot and killed outside his Scarborough apartment building on Wednesday are appealing to witnesses and those involved in the murder to come forward.
John Wheeler was waiting for a ride to work at 3:36 a.m. at the building on Danforth Road and Eglinton Avenue East when he was shot from behind.
He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, homicide detective Sgt. Ted Lioumanis described Wheeler as a hard working man who was “at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“This was a horrific, cowardly, uncalled for act against Mr. Wheeler. He did not deserve this. Nobody deserves to die, to get shot and die in our city,” Lioumanis said, adding that witnesses have been co-operating with police.
Earlier on Friday, police released a series of four security camera videos of the suspects and Wheeler’s last moments, in an effort to identify and locate the suspects.
The first video shows the vehicle driving by the building.
The second video shows two men dressed in black and wearing face masks, one openly carrying a long rifle or shotgun, in front of the building.
In the two final videos, Wheeler can be seen first exiting the building and then, as he is standing by the side of the road, a gunman walks up behind him and shoots him in the back.
Police later reposted an edited version of the final video that cuts off before Wheeler is shot.
“Our family is completely saddened and devastated by the senseless loss of life,” said Wheeler’s niece, Arlene Stuckless, speaking at the press conference.
We would like to say we appreciate all of the support from family and friends, from coast to coast. Or as John would like to call them, his wolf pack.”
She remembered Wheeler as a hard working and kind man and encouraged witnesses to continue coming forward.
Police say two suspects fled in a small black SUV driven by a woman.
The first suspect is described as a man in his 20s, wearing dark clothing with white markings on the sleeves, and a mask. He was carrying a firearm.
The second suspect is described as a man in his 20s, wearing dark clothing with white on the front and a face mask, and carrying a black duffel bag.
The third suspect is described only as a woman. She remained in the vehicle.
Police say the two men were wearing distinctive clothing and shoes.
Addressing the suspects who didn’t shoot Wheeler, Lioumanis said they may not have known what was going to happen that night and that they should contact a lawyer and come forward immediately — otherwise, police will deem them as being connected to the crime.
Investigators are appealing to any witnesses to contact them at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, online on their Facebook Leave a Tip page, or by texting “TOR” and your message to CRIMES (274637).