Night of gun violence in Toronto area sees 2 dead in separate shootings

Two men are dead following two separate shootings in Toronto and Brampton late Wednesday night.

At 9:02 p.m., Toronto police said officers responded to a call for a shooting at Martin Grove and Albion roads in Etobicoke.

Officers found a man suffering from serious injuries. He later died from those injuries. He has since been identified as 23-year-old Awais Ismail Awais.

Awais’ sister, who spoke to Global News but asked not to be identified by name while she grieves, said he was the “best brother ever” in a short interview on Thursday.

“I can’t believe he was taken away this way,” she said, adding he was on his way to pick up their cousin when he was shot beside his car.

After picking up his cousin, Awais was planning to head to the mosque.

“I don’t know who did this. Whoever did this is evil, clearly — why would you do this on the month of Ramadan, the holy month?” his sister said.

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Police said they had no information “at this time” suggesting the shooting was targeted.

“This is very early in this investigation and at this time we are trying to figure out the exact circumstances of why this took place,” Det. Sgt Jason Davis said.

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Elsewhere, at 11:05 p.m., Peel Regional Police said officers received a call for a shooting at a home near Heritage and Embleton roads in Brampton.

Officers found a man in his 20s suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Police did not share any suspect information.

“There were people home at the residence, and a few were taken to hospital with minor injuries,” Const. Michelle Stafford told reporters at the scene Thursday morning.

“The incident took place in the residence.”

The investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

— with files from Catherine McDonald