The investigations into two targeted shootings that killed two men in Toronto and Vaughan, Ont., earlier this year share the same suspect, police say.
Investigators with Toronto and York regional police told reporters Tuesday that the deaths of Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar and Sergio Lopes are connected.
Around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, the 37-year-old Raja Nandakumar was shot in the parking lot of Woodbine Shopping Centre in Etobicoke.
Officers found the Brampton resident inside a car suffering from gunshot wounds, which police described as life-threatening. He was taken to hospital, where he later died.
He was Toronto’s third homicide victim of the year. Global News learned Raja Nandakumar was a software engineer, and police believe he was targeted. Friends described him as a kind, helpful and soft-spoken person.
On Jan. 26, Lopes, 65, was shot and killed outside his carpentry business in Vaughan. It was just after 1 p.m. when police responded to 911 calls for the shooting.
The Richmond Hill resident had been shot multiple times; he was rushed to hospital, where he later died. Lopes was described as a respected member of the community and a loving father and husband.
Get daily National news
Police said the suspect or suspects fled in a black SUV, which was found on fire near Kipling and Woodbridge avenues.
Investigators said Tuesday that two 19-year-old men are wanted on first-degree murder and arson charges, and allege that one of them was involved in both homicides. They did not provide a motive into the slayings.
“It was similarities that led our services to speak to each other that then provided the situation we’re here today,” Toronto police Det-Sgt. Sandra Arruda said.
“I can’t get into the evidentiary nature of what seemed to be similar.”
Arruda did say one of those similarities was stolen vehicles that were used in the shootings.
Edmonton’s Isaiah Thomas Badger and Mississauga’s Jacob Wallace are the individuals wanted. Police believe they’re both in the Greater Toronto Area, and are asking the public not to approach them and to call 911.
“To Mr. Badger and Mr. Wallace, we’re coming for you. Turn yourselves in. Hire a lawyer,” Arruda said.
“To anyone else who has assisted these two individuals, including anyone who may be helping them evade police, you are committing a criminal offence. You will be investigated, arrested and charged where evidence supports it.”
Arruda alleged Badger acted alone in Raja Nandakumar’s homicide, while York Regional Police Det. Sgt. Jonathan Nauman alleged Wallace drove the getaway car in Lopes’ slaying.
Badger is also wanted by Edmonton police on outstanding weapons charges, Arruda said.
“It’s shocking to me that we’re standing here with two 19-year-olds wanted for first-degree murder, and for Mr. Isaiah Badger to be wanted for two separate homicides,” he said.
“It’s shocking to me.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Comments
Comments closed.
Due to the sensitive and/or legal subject matter of some of the content on globalnews.ca, we reserve the ability to disable comments from time to time.
Please see our Commenting Policy for more.