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The final entry at this point on the GTA’s 2023 homicide log book is a 19-year-old woman cut down by bullets outside a Mississauga nightclub.
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That latest installment of big-city mayhem unfolded around 1:40 a.m. on New Year’s Day in the area of Dixie Rd. and Eglinton Ave. E.
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When cops arrived, they found the thus far unnamed young woman in critical condition. She was later pronounced dead at a local trauma centre.
So far, it’s unclear whether she was shot inside or outside the club. Cops have released little information on suspects, motive or the victim.
I’ve been off for the holidays, but my absence did not result in the missing of a single beat.
Toronto will finish with 73 homicides, one more than in 2022, and a fairly average year. Meanwhile, in small towns and other Canadian cities, murder has become a runaway train.
Toronto Musician Liam Keddy, 41, was stabbed to death at a homeless shelter in the Lake Shore Blvd.-Bathurst St. area around 2 a.m. on Dec. 30. When cops arrived, they found Keddy who died shortly after he arrived at a hospital.
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On his website, Keddy described his music as “quite different from most everything else in the indie/rock arena at present,” adding that “his lyrics are inspired by mystic and metaphysical poetry.”
Malik Kondell, 25, is charged with second-degree murder.
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On Boxing Day around 9 a.m., cops were called to the area of Boustead and Roncesvalles Aves., where they discovered Vinko Skoko, 68, in medical distress. He was pronounced dead later in hospital.
According to cops, the well-known Roncy man had allegedly been struck by an object thrown by a clown on a mountain bike. Vangeli Keskinov, 51, of Toronto has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and assault with a weapon.
In 2012, Keskinov was convicted of threatening to kill TTC bus and streetcar drivers unless they let him ride for free. He pleaded guilty and was given 20 days in the slammer.
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He also was hit with one year of probation that included conditions that he remain sober and stay away from booze and drugs while on TTC property.
In the Hammer on Dec. 28, Daniel Musafiri, 29, of Hamilton, was shot around 10:48 p.m. He, too, died in hospital. Suspects were seen fleeing the area.
According to a GoFundMe page: “Those who had the privilege of knowing and loving Daniel know him to be generous, loving and full of life. Daniel will forever be known for his bright golden smile and energy that lit up the room every time he walked in.”
The end of the road for Kevon Wilson, 25, came early on Dec. 23 when he was shot in the Weston Rd.-Steeles Ave. W. area. Again, the victim was taken to a hospital, where he died from gunshot wounds.
The day before, Christmas weekend kicked off on the Danforth, around Woodbine Ave., when Adam Palermo, 45, of Keswick, was shot to death following an altercation at a local watering hole. He was the father of seven children.
Homicide detectives have released few details on Palermo’s murder.
What is known is that 2024 is almost certain to replicate 2023 in terms of escalating, senseless violence.
Of course, the powers that be will find religion and pray it just all goes away.
Cops, docs, emergency personnel and grieving families know differently.
@HunterTOSun
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