A Father of Four from Ghana identified as Victim in Northwest Toronto Shootings

A tragic incident in northwest Toronto over the weekend has left a 39-year-old father of four from Ghana, Adu Boakye, dead in one of two seemingly random shootings. The other victim, a 16-year-old boy, was also shot less than 24 hours apart while waiting for a bus in the area of Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue on Friday and Saturday.

Detective Phillip Campbell provided an update on the case, stating that both victims were “shot indiscriminately” and had no prior relationship with the suspects. Boakye and the 16-year-old were innocently going about their daily routines when they were senselessly attacked.

The 16-year-old victim, who was on his way to a volleyball game at the time of the shooting, remains in critical condition with potentially life-altering injuries. Both victims were waiting at a bus stop when an unknown suspect approached and fired shots at them.

Investigators believe that the two shootings are connected, as a suspected stolen vehicle used by the suspect(s) in both incidents was found abandoned in Hamilton. Police are urging anyone who may have seen a black Acura RDX in the area before or after the shootings to come forward with information.

Campbell mentioned that the back-to-back shootings exhibit “hallmarks of gang activity,” although there is currently no evidence linking either victim to any gang affiliation. Superintendent Andy Singh highlighted the innocence of the victims, emphasizing the alarm and concern within the community.

Following the incidents, a command post was set up in the North York neighbourhood, and Chief Myron Demkiw urged residents to report any suspicious activity. Despite releasing surveillance images of a suspect, described as a Black male between 18 and 25 years old with a thin build, no arrests have been made yet.

Campbell expressed confidence in identifying the suspect with the help of tips from the community, stressing the importance of community involvement in the investigation. He believes that the suspect will be apprehended soon.

The tragic loss of Adu Boakye has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting calls for justice and increased vigilance in the neighbourhood. As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that the perpetrator will be brought to justice and that the victims will receive the closure they deserve.