Police have named a 17-year-old suspect in the murder of a security guard at a casino in Pickering last month.
The male suspect is wanted for second-degree murder linked to the death of Michael Ferdinand, 34, on Oct. 9, according to Durham Regional Police who spoke to reporters Wednesday morning.
Even though the suspect is considered a minor, police mentioned they obtained a judge’s permission to release his name and image publicly for five days. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the authorized use of his name and image ended on Nov. 11.
A nationwide warrant has now been issued for his arrest, police said.
“We are pleading for the public’s assistance in locating him,” Detective Sgt. Brad Corner stated during Wednesday’s news conference.
According to police, the suspect does not have a permanent address but has connections to the Jane and Finch area of Toronto.
Authorities say he is deemed armed and dangerous, urging anyone who spots him not to approach but instead call 9-1-1 immediately.
Corner explained that investigators identified the teen as a suspect after weeks of interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage.
Michael Ferdinand was shot while performing security duties inside the Pickering Casino Resort at 5 a. m. on Oct. 9. He was rushed to a trauma center but later died there.
Later that morning, Durham Police Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss reported that several armed individuals had fled from the casino right after the shooting occurred. On Wednesday, only one suspect was identified by Durham Police.
Detective Sgt. Corner noted that police still have not determined a motive for the shooting and continue their investigation.
“We now owe it to [Ferdinand’s] family, friends and co-workers to bring those responsible to justice,” he remarked.
Ferdinand’s colleagues set up a Go Fund Me page which quickly raised nearly $40,000 for his wife and family following his death.
“Our brother was taken from us way too soon by a senseless act of gun violence that had no reason to ever be escalated to that extent,” Ferdinand’s former co-worker Viny Cuello wrote on the Go Fund Me page. “Mike’s bright soul was taken from us way too soon and left us with a massive void in our hearts but his bravery and love will always live on in our everyday life for the rest of our lives.”
If anyone has information about where the suspect might be or if they have been in contact with him since Oct. 9, they are asked to reach out to Durham Regional Police Homicide Unit at 905-579-1520 ext. 5444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-2477.
Police encourage the suspect to seek legal advice and turn himself into authorities.
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