First victim was found in a burning vehicle in rural area of Markham; second was discovered 90 minutes later in Etobicoke
Toronto police are investigating the city’s 27th and 28th homicides of the year, after two bodies were found inside burning vehicles at separate scenes in the city’s east and west ends.
On Monday, just before 11:30 p.m., police found the first vehicle on fire in a field in Markham, near Reesor Road and Steeles Avenue, an area surrounded by the Rouge National Urban Park.
About 90 minutes later, the second burning vehicle was found in James Gardens Park in Etobicoke, near Royal York Road and Edenbridge Road.
Police said a victim was found inside each vehicle, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
In an update on Friday, Det. Sgt. Henri Marsman identified the victim found at Reesor Road and Steeles Avenue as 32-year-old Marcus Charles.
The second victim has yet to be identified.
Both victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds before the fires, said Marsman, however he could not confirm the exact timing of events.
Police also said it is too early to determine if the vehicle fires are connected, and did not provide any information about potential suspects.
The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in both cases.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477 or online.