Two teens wanted for first-degree murder in Vaughan and Etobicoke shootings
Canada-wide warrants have been issued for two 19-year-olds in connection with two fatal daytime shootings in the Greater Toronto Area earlier this year.
Canada-wide warrants issued for two 19-year-olds in dual GTA murder cases
Canada-wide arrest warrants have been issued for two teenagers in connection with separate fatal shootings in Vaughan and Etobicoke, cbc.ca reports, with both suspects now wanted for first-degree murder.
Isaiah Thomas Badger, 19, is wanted for first-degree murder in connection with both shootings. Jacob Wallace, 19, faces the same charge in relation to one of the killings. York Region police describe both men as armed and dangerous.
The first shooting took place on Jan. 26 at approximately 1:08 p.m., when Sergio Lopes, 65, of Richmond Hill, was shot multiple times as he was leaving his business at a commercial plaza in Vaughan. Less than two weeks later, on Feb. 7 at around 3:26 p.m., Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar, 37, of Brampton, was shot while seated in his car in the parking lot of Woodbine Shopping Centre in Etobicoke.
York Region police Det. Jonathan Nauman, speaking at a joint news conference with Toronto police on Tuesday, said the nature of the cases was deeply troubling. "It's shocking to me that we're standing here with two 19-year-olds wanted for first-degree murder," he said.
Nauman described Lopes as "a respected member of his community, a loving father and husband," adding that "his loss was deeply felt." Toronto police Det. Sandra Arruda said those who knew Nandakumar described him as "kind, generous, and always willing to help others."
Both shootings are believed to have been targeted. Investigators have not established a motive, and the primary link between the two homicides remains the shared suspect. Arruda noted that stolen vehicles were used in both incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers.
Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)