ABOVE: Toronto police are hoping this newly-released security video can turn up new leads in the murder of a Rexdale man
TORONTO – Toronto police have released security footage in connection to the murder investigation of a 46-year-old father of two who was fatally gunned down outside his Rexdale home last month.
Investigators are seeking the public’s help identifying two suspects seen exiting the rear of a black sedan and running across the street prior to and after the shooting.
“Where he fell, he didn’t see them. He didn’t hear them. He didn’t have a chance to run,” said Homicide Detective Murray Barnes during a press conference Friday morning. “He was gunned down at his doorstep.”
Police say Donald Beckles was shot outside his west-end Toronto home on March 30 around 11 p.m. at 163 Jamestown Crescent near Albian Rd. and Kipling Ave.
The stay-at-home father, who had an hearing impairment, was living with his wife and two children at the time of the shooting.
Investigators said Beckles had stepped outside for a smoke when he was fatally shot.
“Make no mistake. Donald Beckles was an innocent man. He had no ties or affiliation with any gangs,” said Det. Barnes.
“He was targeted because he was the first person the killers saw.”
Police recovered six gun shell rounds at the scene of the shooting and are searching for two suspects, as well as the driver of the vehicle and a person in the passenger side seat.
“There are members of the community who know exactly who they are,” said Det. Barnes.
Beckles’ mother Edith, who also attended the press conference, made an emotional plea for help to solve this case.
“I pray that the person or persons that murdered my son, if this is their first senseless act of taking a life, I pray this is their last,” she said.
“There is a better path to travel than this walk of life.”
Edith Beckles said his son was a loving and caring man who would often come visit and help her with cleaning and finances.
“He’s always there for his family. He’s a good man,” she said.
“It is not too late for the God that I know and my son knows and serves, for them to ask God and show them a better path.”
Police are urging anyone in the community who witnessed the shooting to come forward.
“The killers of Donald Beckles do not deserve the protection of community silence,” said Det. Barnes.
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