Police identify homicide victim found inside burnt vehicle in Toronto’s east end

Toronto police have identified a homicide victim who officers say was found inside a burnt vehicle in the city’s east end earlier this month.

Police previously told Global News emergency crews were called to a farm field in the area of Gordon Murison Lane and Steeles Avenue East at 6 a.m. on Aug. 14 for reports of a vehicle fire.

Officers and firefighters attended and extinguished the flames. It was later discovered that a man’s body was inside of the vehicle, police said.

Police said a post-mortem examination was conducted and the man’s death was determined to be a homicide.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

On Saturday, he was identified as 40-year-old Toronto resident Johann Persaud.

His death marks the city’s 49th homicide of 2021.

Officers are continuing to investigate and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

2:25 Toronto Crime Stoppers unveils playground refurbished after 2018 shooting