Police offer $50K reward in 2016 fatal shooting in Liberty Village

Police are offering up to $50,000 for information into the shooting death of a 26-year-old man two years ago in the Liberty Village area of Toronto.

Toronto police said the victim, identified as Kiesingar Gunn, was shot on Sept. 11, 2016, around 4 a.m. in front of the “Forty 2 Supperclub” at Liberty Street and Mowat Avenue.

Authorities said the man was leaving a birthday party at the club with family and friends when he spotted an altercation involving someone he knew.

“Kiesingar left this location with his family, got into his vehicle and preceded to leave,” Det. Leslie Dunkley said during a news conference Tuesday morning.

“At which time he observed an altercation taking place among this group and he recognized one of the individuals involved was a friend of his. Kiesingar exited the vehicle and approached the altercation, at which time multiple shots were fired and one of them struck Kiesingar.”

Police said several witnesses tried to provide assistance to the wounded man before paramedics arrived. The shooting victim was taken to hospital in serious condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

“We know there was approximately 20 to 30 people present at the time of the altercation and when the shots were fired,” Dunkley said.

Police said the suspect was inside the club prior to the shooting and fled the scene in either a white or dark-coloured vehicle.

“We know there’s someone there that can identify the shooter and that knows the shooter,” Dunkley said. “We’re asking that those individuals come forward and speak to police.”

Investigators said the victim is not believed to be the intended target and was an innocent victim.

Gunn’s mother, Evelyn Fox, told reporters at the press conference that her son was a father of four who was a humble, kind and hard-working man.

“Kiesingar was a man whose father walked out of his life when he was only one and someone who grew up with abandonment issues and broke that cycle to be the most amazing father I have ever seen,” Fox said.

“I am pleading to everyone that was outside Forty 2 Supperclub that night Kiesingar was shot to contact police. My son was hit by a stray bullet. That bullet could have been for anyone of you.”

VIDEO: Man dies in hospital after shooting in Liberty Village

1:37 Man in life-threatening condition after shooting in Liberty Village

Police said the suspect is described as a black man, 18 to 22 years of age, between five-feet-11-inches to six-feet tall, with a slim build, braided hair, possibly in cornrows.

He was last seen wearing a white hooded sweatshirt with black prints or a logo.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS.