Homicide unit says victims found in burning vehicles were shot
Toronto police have confirmed that two bodies found in burning vehicles in Scarborough and Etobicoke were victims of homicide by gunshot. Investigators are currently canvassing for video evidence and have not yet determined if the two incidents are connected.
Why it matters
These violent crimes have raised public safety concerns in the Greater Toronto Area, prompting an active investigation into potential targeted killings.
Toronto police say two people found dead inside burning vehicles located in Scarborough and Etobicoke earlier this week were the victims of homicide.
The first incident, police said, occurred just before 11:25 p.m. on Sept. 21 on Reesor Road, between Steeles Avenue and Old Finch Road, in Scarborough.
Police said a vehicle fire was reported and first-responders later located a body inside the vehicle.
About an hour and a half later, another vehicle fire was reported at James Garden Park on Edenbridge Drive in Etobicoke, near Royal York Road and Dundas Street. A body was also found in that vehicle.
Speaking during a news conference on Friday afternoon, Det.-Sgt. Henri Marsman said autopsies confirmed that both men sustained fatal gunshot wounds prior to the fires.
The Scarborough victim has now been identified as 32-year-old Marcus Charles.
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