TORONTO – Police are investigating after a 21-year-old man was shot and killed in Cabbagetown late Thursday night.
Police responded to a call of several shots fired at an apartment building at 55 Bleecker Street, just north of Carlton Street, around 11:30 p.m.
Officers found the victim, identified as 21-year-old Nisan Nirmalendran, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Police confirmed Nisan is the brother of 22-year-old Nixon Nirmalendran who was injured during last summer’s Eaton Centre shooting, dying in hospital nine days later.
Police believe the attack may have started just outside the doors of the Bleecker Street building.
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The suspect and Nirmalendran entered the lobby of the building during the attack where a resident may have been caught in the middle of the gunfire.
“I can’t imagine what’s going through the mind of this person,” said Det. Sgt. Terry Browne. “Certainly he was fearing for his life and acted spontaneously.”
“It would appear from the images that it looked like he was trying to use her as a shield.”
The two later left the building where Nirmalendran was ultimately shot and killed.
Two vehicles, a 2004-2008 Dodge Minivan and a 2007-2011 Acura TL with “shiny rims”, were seen leaving the building shortly after the shooting.
Police are looking for a suspect described as a male wearing a charcoal jacket with a white shirt.
A person of interest was with the victim in the building immediately prior to the shooting.
Police don’t know what role the person of interest may have played in the shooting – if any- but are hoping to speak with him.
Homicide detectives are currently investigating and asking for witnesses to come forward.
“Several 911 calls came in over a short period of time,” Inspector Tim Crone said. “We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and are conducting interviews with some people who may have witnessed the shooting.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477).
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