The family of a 33-year-old man gunned down at a Rexdale plaza last month is urging anyone who has information about the shooting or knows the identity of the shooter to come forward.
“The family, his friends and the loved one he left behind is devastated by the loss of my son,” Novelette Phoenix, the victim’s mother, told reporters during a news conference at police headquarters on Wednesday.
“It’s been almost two months and there are no answers. We are grieving every minute, every second, every day and no answers.”
Toronto police responded to a call of a shooting around 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 near Martin Grove Road and John Garland Boulevard just south of Finch Avenue West.
Investigators said the victim, identified as Andre Phoenix, was walking towards the storefronts with another person when a vehicle approached and someone inside opened fire. He was rushed to hospital where he later died.
Police said they received initial reports that three or four shots were fired from a vehicle that sped away from the scene.
Authorities said the vehicle is described as newer model four-door white Mazda 3.
“The vehicle was observed circling the lot in which Mr. Phoenix was walking through,” Det. Brandon Price said.
“The vehicle can be seen pulling up to Mr. Phoenix shortly before the murder. Following that, the vehicle flees to the west.”
Police said the victim had ties to the Jamestown neighbourhood but did not live there.
Phoenix’s mother said she received a phone call from his son just just moments after being shot.
“I received a phone call from my son Andre stating that, ‘Mom, I’d been shot.’ We rushed to his location but was unable to see him,” she said.
“When we got to the hospital, shortly thereafter, the worst news that anyone could have ever told me as a parent was that my son, my best friend, is dead.”
Novelette Phoenix said her son was the life of the party and had the biggest smile that could light up a room.
“He had a love of basketball. He was hardworking and anyone who knows my son knows that he’s a family man,” she said.
“Andre also loved kids. But his pride and joy was his nearly two-year-old daughter that he left behind. Who will never know where daddy is.”
Phoenix said she and her family need closure and are urging witnesses to help solve this case.
“I need justice for my son. He did not deserve what happened to him. We miss him. We love him,” Phoenix said.
“Please, we just need somebody to just pick up the phone and just call with whatever information you know. It would be so greatly appreciated to all of us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS.
VIDEO: Toronto police identify victim in fatal drive-by shooting in Rexdale plaza
Comments