WATCH: Tallahassee Police confirm Dan Markel’s death was a homicide and that he was the intended victim
TORONTO – Family and friends are mourning the death of a Toronto-raised law professor who was fatally shot in his Florida home last week.
Daniel Markel, 42 and a father of two, was shot inside his home in Tallahassee on Friday morning and died a day later in hospital.
Police are treating the death as a homicide, but have released few details in the case other than to say that it was a targeted attack.
“The initial investigation has provided no indication that this case is connected to a burglary or robbery and investigators are assuring residents there is no evidence this was a random act,” a police statement read.
“Neighborhood residents should continue to be vigilant but it appears at this time that Mr. Markel was the intended victim in this incident.”
Police have set up a dedicated tip line for this investigation and are asking witnesses or anyone who may have been in the area of the 2100 block of Trescott Drive on Friday, July 18 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and noon to call 1 (850) 891-4462.
“TPD will work tirelessly to follow up on all leads and evidence in this case and our thoughts and prayers are with the Markel family as they endure this terrible tragedy,” said Tallahassee Police Department Chief Michael DeLeo in a media release.
Colleagues at Florida State University have been struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
A statement on the law school’s website said Markel “was an outstanding teacher and extraordinary scholar and colleague. His contributions to the law school and broader legal community were pervasive and lasting.”
A memorial was held Sunday which was attended by the victim’s sister.
“I don’t think I could have ever imagined this scenario. I’m still trying to see when I am going to wake up,” Shelly Markel told WTXL-TV.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be made later this week by Markel’s Toronto family.
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