Toronto police are offering a $50,000 reward for information in connection to the killing of a 17-year-old boy who was gunned down and laid dying in his mother’s arms outside his home after walking his dog in the city’s east-end earlier this year.
“There is no doubt some of Joseph’s friends and associates know exactly what happened… and will likely know the reason for the shooting taking place,” said Det. Sgt. Gary Giroux during a press conference Wednesday morning.
Police said Joseph Petit was walking his German Shepherd along Dentonia Park Avenue near Victoria Park Avenue and Danforth Avenue just after 6 p.m. on Jan. 4 when he returned home and met two males outside his residence.
Investigators said a physical struggle ensued after a brief two-minute conversation and one of the males shot Petit.
The two males then reportedly fled the area towards Victoria Park subway station.
Police say Petit was found on the side of the street by his mother who was walking home from work.
The high school student suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and was transported to hospital where he died three days later.
“Imagine leaving work and finding your son shot and dying in your very neighbourhood,” said Petit’s mother Ana Pavao. “He would have died alone had I not arrived at that time.”
Pavao said her son came from a good family and is hoping someone cares enough for him to come forward with information.
“In the fall, his high school gave him an award for kindness. We loved him,” Pavao said holding back tears. “Our child was murdered and there is no closure for that.”
Both of the suspects were described as wearing hooded sweatshirts but no further descriptions were available.
“The motive is not robbery. There’s a preexisting motive and he was approached by two people he knew,” said Det. Sgt. Giroux.
VIDEO: Joseph Petit’s mother describes devastating moment she found her son after he was shot