TORONTO, Ont. – A 15-year-old boy who died after being shot multiple times in the 13th-floor stairwell of a Regent Park highrise Friday afternoon may have been targeted, Toronto police said.
Police identified the victim as Tyson Bailey of Toronto.
“This kind of a murder — I would suggest — is not a random murder,” said Det.-Sgt. Justin VanderHeyden.
“Tyson was either lured here or came here for a reason.”
Police said Bailey did not live at the Whiteside Place highrise, near Dundas Street and River Street but did reside in the area.
Police and paramedics were called to 605 Whiteside Pl. shortly after 2 p.m.
Paramedics had difficulty reaching the teenager because the elevator stalled on the third floor, according to a CityNews report. They took 10 flights of stairs to reach the teenager, located with life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Bailey was taken to St. Michael’s Hospital where he died, police said.
The teenager is the city’s second homicide of 2013.
VanderHeyden said Bailey did not have a criminal record and was not involved in gangs.
“By all accounts, he was a fine, young man,” he said.
“We have absolutely nothing in our investigation that has led us to believe that Tyson is affiliated or associated with any kind of gang activity.”
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video of the area.
“We are extremely saddened to hear of this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim, and with the Regent Park community,” said Toronto Community Housing in a statement.
“Today’s events remind us of the need to continue to work with the police, the city, local agencies and partners, and above all our residents to find solutions that will keep our communities safe.”
Two ‘persons of interest’ sought
VanderHeyden said investigators are searching for two “persons of interest.”
Investigators want to speak with two men — one white, one black — who were seen on the 13th floor around the time Bailey was shot and anyone who might know why Bailey was at the highrise.
“It’s still a mystery to me why he was on the 13th floor of this building at two o’clock this afternoon,” VanderHeyden said.
The men are described as between the ages of 25 and 30.
The white man is tall and skinny with acne scars.
The black man is short and was last seen wearing a thick, black jacket.
“They’re people who may have information, which may provide some insight into why Tyson was there or to who shot Tyson.”
VanderHeyden said there is no risk to the public.
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Two issues safety of society and safety in buildings
Firstly why do we have so many guns in Toronto? Who are you buying them from ? Where are they coming from? Why are you using them ?
Why can’t things be discussed? You out there ruined a child and a family. For what?
As a society communication is vital violence has got to go. As a group we all need to take a minute and realize this could be your child. Very sad and not necessary
Now you Mr landlord and you Mr city inspector. I think this is a wake up call. Giddy up and
Make sure everything is in working order. This could of been a different ending if all was in order?
I hope you realize this. Yes make some solid changes or close it down. This is now health and safety issues.
2013 just arrived how very sad.
Keep city safe from these cowards that need to kill. How do they sleep? I hope they don’t ….
Something has to be done to get rid of this. I wonder why he isn’t in school at that hour. May school hrs should be extended or include manditory studying there for an hour or so after class is done. A good young child someone’s son, grandson, brother, nephew, it’s not right, especially because he had no record, wasn’t in trouble at all. It’s so sad.
This is so sad. No elevator working and the boy (who, yes, probably should have been in school – its not a PA day) was evidently alive before EMS had to go up, then carry him down 13 floors. And in 2010 two teens were killed in the same building but the security cameras weren’t working to image the killers.
Some areas of Toronto are treated like lost, unimportant communities. They’re NOT.
Anyone who shoots another person with the intent to kill. The shooter when found should be
given the same treatment. If he does not want he same treatment, then he should be put away for a long time. The same should apply to knifing someone. It is not going to get rid of it but whoever does that understand the consequences. They should be made to somehow also pay for the pain an suffering to the victim or victims. They must be put to work and remove a portion of their wages to the repayment proces which would probably be for a very long time
Sad things, you gotta wonder why he wasn’t in school at 2:00 on a thursday. If he was on break or done school for the day or something.
What is the solution to these punks settleing their differences with guns rather than brains.