Suspect Still Wanted in 2023 Pickering Casino Homicide

Police are still actively searching for the suspect of 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 the Pickering Casino Resort located at 888 Durham Live Avenue in Pickering.  Police arrived on scene and were directed inside of the casino 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. 

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

Police continue to search for the suspect who at the time of the shooting was 17-years-old.  He is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for Second Degree Murder.  He is of no fixed address and is known to have ties to the Driftwood area which is in the Jane Street and Finch Ave West area of Toronto.

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.

Investigators are advising the suspect 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.

Anyone with information about the accused or this incident is asked to contact Durham Regional Police Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5400.

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 $2,000 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. 

-30-

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

Male Deceased Following Shooting at Pickering Casino Resort