Aluen Navarro-Fenoy, the sister of one of two people killed in a brazen shooting at Toronto’s Muzik nightclub last August, said her family has been living a nightmare as the case remains unsolved nearly a year later.
“Tragically we are condemned to live with this horror for the rest of our lives,” Navarro-Fenoy told reporters at Toronto police headquarters on Friday. “After almost a year following her senseless murder, our lives are still on hold.”
Duvel Hibbert, 23, of Brampton and Ariela Navarro-Fenoy, 26, of Toronto were both fatally shot in the early hours of Aug. 4, 2015 at an OVO Fest party being hosted by Canadian rapper Drake.
READ MORE: Drake breaks silence on Muzik nightclub shootings
Three other people were injured during the incident which began inside the nightclub, where thousands were partying, and spilled into the streets north of the venue.
Hibbert, who police say was the intended target, was pronounced dead inside the nightclub’s outdoor patio area while Navarro-Fenoy was shot north of the Dufferin Gates. She later died in hospital from her injuries.
Police say no charges have been laid in the case and investigators continue to appeal for the public’s help.
“This crime is definitely solvable. I believe with the assistance of the public, we can bring this investigation to a successful conclusion,” Det. Omar Khan told reporters on Friday.
“This was a very reckless and brazen attack in a public place where most of the people, the vast majority of persons in attendance and on the streets that night were just out for a good time. And unfortunately what was an enjoyable night was destroyed by these shootings.”
Navarro-Fenoy’s family said Ariela’s murder was a senseless act that could have happened to anyone.
“Someone you love and know. That’s why we beg for you to help us out to solve my sister’s murder,” said Navarro-Fenoy’s sister. “We can’t act like her murder never happened. We need your help to bringing her murderer to justice.”
VIDEO: Police appeal to the public for information in the Muzik nightclub shooting
READ MORE: ‘Taken away from us too soon’: Muzik nightclub shooting victim laid to rest
Police say they are still looking for two persons of interest in connection to the case.
One is described as a black male, between 6’0″ to 6’1″ tall, 25 to 26 years old with a fresh buzz cut, light purple crew neck sweater with a colourful design on the front and dark blue jeans. The other is a brown male, between 5’10″to 5’11” tall, skinny build, between 24 to 28 years of age, wearing a yellow and a burgundy plaid button-up shirt.
Last year’s shooting touched off a wave of concern across the city and prompted Drake to offer condolences to the families of the victims. It remains unclear whether the rapper was in the club when the shooting began around 3 a.m.
Toronto’s chief of police had expressed disappointment with the lack of information investigators have received from the public in the shooting.
Police made a public appeal for information and created a website for witnesses to post images or video related to the shootings. Authorities say they have since spoken to “hundreds” of witnesses and have collected an abundance of video.
“We have had a great deal of cooperation but we need more,” Det. Khan said.
VIDEO: Surveillance video could be important in Muzik nightclub shooting investigation
READ MORE: ‘We need witnesses’ in Muzik nightclub shooting: Toronto police chief
Following the incident, police suspended the practice of having paid-duty officers work at the Muzik nightclub.
Meanwhile, the parents, siblings and grandparents of Duvel Hibbert launched a $2.5-million lawsuit against the Muzik nightclub and two unknown parties believed to be involved in the 23-year-old’s death.
The family claims the nightclub failed to provide enough security to protect its patrons, allowed too many guests into the club that night, and failed to take steps to keep weapons out of the event.
VIDEO: Muzik Nightclub under fire for having gaps in security
-With a file from Adam Miller and The Canadian Press
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