$25,000 Reward Offered for Information on Murder Suspect

Police continue to search for the suspect involved in the murder of 34-year-old Michael Ferdinand. Durham Regional Crimestoppers is now offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

On Monday, October 9, 2023, at approximately 5:05 a.m., members from West Division responded to reports of an armed person at the Pickering Casino Resort located at 888 Durham Live Avenue in Pickering. Police arrived on scene where they located the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was rushed to a Toronto-area trauma centre where he succumbed to his injuries.

He was identified as 34-year-old Michael FERDINAND.

Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith, age 20 is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for Second Degree Murder.   He is of no fixed address however he does have ties to the Driftwood area which is in the Jane Street and Finch Ave West area of Toronto.

Tyjae is described as Male, Black, 20 years-old, 5’8, 110lbs and has a tattoo on his left elbow with the word “Chantel.” 

Tyjae goes by the nickname “baby2.”

Investigators are urging Tyjae to contact counsel and turn himself into police. Anyone who is found to be assisting him to evade police is guilty of an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and will be prosecuted to the full extent.

If you see Tyjae please call 911 immediately and do not approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous. 

If you know his whereabouts or have had any contact with Tyjae since the murder please call our homicide unit at 905-579-1520 x 5415 or if you would like to remain anonymous, please call crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $25,000 cash reward.

Police have received a court order allowing the distribution of Tyjae’s name and image pursuant to section 110(4) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.  This information is not to be further disseminated five days after the order was granted. (December 19, 2025)

Michael is greatly missed by his family and community. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect is urged come forward and speak with investigators.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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ORIGINAL RELEASE SENT ON OCTOBER 9, 2023 at 1:30 PM

Male Deceased Following Shooting at Pickering Casino Resort