TCHC, Crime Stoppers launch partnership in wake of Lecent Ross death

WATCH: With the help of a slain 14-year-old’s family, Crime Stoppers hopes they can build a better presence and relationship with Toronto Community Housing residents. Mark Carcasole reports.

TORONTO – The Toronto Community Housing Corporation and Crime Stoppers have partnered up to launch a crime prevention initiative following the death of 14-year-old Lecent Ross.

“The hardest thing that I had ever had to face in my life was the death of my 14 year old niece,” said Troy Ross, former two-time Olympian and uncle of the slain teen, during the announcement in Jamestown.

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“What makes it even harder is people with valuable information are not willing to talk. Call Crime Stoppers and help put an end to these senseless killings.”

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Police have charged a 13-year-old youth and an 18-year-old man in connection with the shooting death. Both face a total of 25 charges.

Investigators say Ross was fatally wounded after she was shot by an illegal semi-automatic handgun in the upper body at a residence in Etobicoke in July.

Police have not released details on who was handling the gun when the 14-year-old was killed.

READ MORE: ‘I lost her too soon:’ Mother of 14-year-old fatally shot in Toronto speaks out

The announcement also saw the addition of the first Crime Stoppers sign on TCHC property and outlined a new initiatives in TCHC neighbourhoods such as meetings with residents, youth outreach activities, signs, public awareness and educational materials.

“Our residents’ safety is a top priority for Toronto Community Housing. By working together with Crime Stoppers, we’ll be able to build on their expertise to help reduce illegal activity in communities,” Greg Spearn, President and CEO of TCHC, said in a release.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution and we all have to work together to make Toronto a safer city.”