Suspect Arrested in 2023 Pickering Casino Homicide

Homicide investigators have arrested the male wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in connection with the 2023 Pickering Casino homicide.

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

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Michael Ferdinand.

Investigators identified a 17-year-old male as the suspect and obtained a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest.

With special judicial authorization under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), the suspect’s name and photo were released publicly on November 11, 2023. After a second judicial authorization was granted under the YCJA on December 15, 2025, his name and photo were released again. All photos, videos, and articles identifying the accused were required to be removed by all agencies five days after the authorization was granted.

Following an extensive investigation that involved multiple police services and jurisdictions, the accused was located and arrested in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the accused was taken into custody by the DRPS homicide unit and returned to Durham Region.

A 20-year-old male of no fixed address is charged with Second Degree Murder.

He was held for a bail hearing.

DRPS would like to thank the Calgary Police Service, the Saskatoon Police Service, the Vancouver Police Department, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their assistance with this incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Hollister of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5415.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

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. 

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

Male Deceased Following Shooting at Pickering Casino Resort

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