A composite sketch of a person of interest has been released in connection to the murder of 32-year-old Jelena Loncar who was killed by a stray bullet outside a downtown Toronto nightclub in 2014.
Police said Loncar was meeting up with friends at the C Lounge on Wellington Street near Spadina Avenue on Aug. 26 at 3:15 a.m. when shots rang out.
Security video released from the scene showed three vehicles circling the area prior to the shooting.
Police said a group of males exited the vehicles, approached a crowd outside the nightclub and attempted to rob two males of their gold chains.
When one of the men refused, police say a suspect pulled out a gun and started firing.
“One of the suspects produced a firearm and discharged multiple gunshots at this male. This male then ran eastbound on Wellington Street and was struck multiple times,” Det. Andy Singh told reporters on Friday, the two-year anniversary of Loncar’s death.
“Jelena never spoke to or associated with the male victim or any of the suspect. She was an innocent bystander.”
Police said the 25-year-old man who was shot survived his injuries. Authorities believe he was the intended target.
“The robbery of the gold chain was not their motive. The suspects were targeting the male victim who we believe was the intended target,” said Singh.
Just prior to the shooting, investigators say the three vehicles were seen fleeing the area near the House of Lancaster strip club at 689 The Queensway following a gun call.
Loncar’s sister told reporters on Friday she wants justice and is asking for anyone with information to come forward.
“The night my sister’s life was taken, somebody made the decision to fire bullets onto a crowded street where many innocent people stood. That individual did not only take my sister’s life, he ruined my family forever,” said Lana Loncar.
“Nothing will change that. But please, I beg you. Anybody watching or anybody that might know anything at all, the smallest thing to help, please I beg you to come forward.”
Police say the person of interest is described as a male black, between 18 to 25 years of age, 5’10” to 6″ tall, thin build, gold grills on either both upper or lower teeth and short hair with cornrows.
Police have also announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect involved in the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
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