(经查证受害者中文名字为毛厚长)
Victim was “dearly loved and respected”
Friday, January 18, 2008 – 03:22 PM
It’s only a matter of time before investigators track down those responsible for a brazen twilight gun battle that took the life of an innocent man in east Chinatown.
Homicide #3/2008 victim Hou Chang Mao, 47
“I’ve got you on camera, somehow, somewhere we’ll find you on camera,” vowed Homicide D/Sgt Pauline Gray, of the surveillance footage capturing the gunmen on the street.
It’s believed gunfire was exchanged between two suspects outside a Gerrard St. E. grocery store at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, killing Hou Chang Mao, 47, as he worked at a stall.
Police are not only searching for the suspect but two black men they believe were either witnesses or intended targets of the gunfire.
They drove off in a small silver vehicle with a shiny silver grille.
“They know what happened, they know why it happened.”
Gray said. She also wants to speak to anyone who witnessed the shooting.
“The streets were full, it was like Manhattan. There were many people who saw what happened – you don’t have to know the whole story,” said Gray, urging anyone with even a small piece of information to come forward.
“Do not allow Mr Mao’s death to slip away from our consciousness,” said the veteran homicide detective. “If you saw or heard anything, please let us know; he deserves at least that from us.”
Mao had been in Canada for the past two years and had recently brought his 18-year-old daughter over from China to join him and his 23-year-old son.
“He was standing in his stall, doing his job,” Gray said, of the victim. “He was dearly loved and respected by his children and his family.”
Gray said anyone involved in the shooting must come forward, knowing that an innocent life has been lost.
“Whatever the perceived slight or disagreement between these two groups, surely they cannot justify or walk away from the fact that their reckless actions killed an innocent man,” she said.
Insp. Peter Yuen offered condolences to Mao’s family.
“You have the commitment of the Toronto Police Service and 55 Division that the killer or killers will be caught,” said Yuen.
He said the shooting was rare in such a law-abiding community.
“It’s a peaceful community. This is a very rare occurrence,” said Yuen. “We will do everything we can to apprehend these suspects.”
Yuen asked the Chinese community to come forward and assist the police in the investigation.
“This a time for action,” said Yuen. “Only with your help can we bring these killers to justice.”
Anyone with information can call the Homicide Squad at 416-808-7400 or contact police anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.
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