Jamestown shooting victims photos released

Sep 20, 2012 | News

By Sasha Lindsay

Warsame Ali, 26 COURTESY TORONTO POLICE

Toronto Police have released photos of both victims in the Sept. 18 Jamestown shooting.
Suleiman Ali, 26, of Toronto and Warsame Ali, 26, of Vaughan were shot dead on Jamestown Cres. near Martin Grove Road and Finch Avenue West.

Jamestown is monitored as a high-risk area, said Const. Victor Kwon, adding that the recent Summer Safety Initiative program targeted Jamestown.

“This program had increased officers, both plain clothed and uniformed, working extended hours in dedicated neighbourhoods and the rest of Toronto,” said Kwong.

Toronto Police are still investigating whether or not gang activity played a role in these murders.

Suleiman Ali, 26  COURTESY TORONTO POLICE

“It’s possible,” Kwong said. “We are looking at every single avenue for this investigation. But at this time, we do not have anything to definitively say that it is gang related.”

According to the Globe and Mail, these murders account for the fifth and sixth Canadian-Somali men to be killed since June.

Mustafa Abdi, program co-ordinator of the Somali Youth Association of Toronto is planning an event on Oct. 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rexdale Community Hub to discuss gun violence and how the Somali community can work together to prevent violence.

“There are smaller grassroots organizations doing great work but we’re the main hub for youth related issues,” said Abdi. “Canada is supposed to be a land of opportunity and it’s sad what’s happening in our community.”

Witnesses are urged to come forward by police.

“They can come forward anonymously. Toronto Police Services’ website has information on giving your name and not giving your name,” said Kwong.

Toronto Police describe the suspect as male, black, 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie.

These murders account for Toronto’s 39th and 40th homicides of the year.

Anyone with information regarding the shootings is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).