The family of a popular barber shot dead earlier this week said he wasn't just "some guy," and invited the gunman to attend a candlelight vigil Friday night to see the damage caused.
Charm Marsh, a cousin of Chris Thompson, told reporters on Friday that her family was left heartbroken and shattered after the 35-year-old was gunned down while working in an east-end barber shop.
"You had no right to shoot this person and take him out of our lives," Marsh said. "You just interrupted our whole family and our plans…. You didn't just shoot a man or some guy. You took out a whole family and a whole community."
Marsh said Thompson came from a peaceful and God-fearing family, and was adored by his Malvern community who will come out to remember him. The vigil has been scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. near the site of Thompson's death.
"You should come along as well," Marsh said, addressing the gunman. "You will see what you did; the negative impact that you have done to our family.
Thompson, a 35-year-old father of two, was fatally shot while cutting a customer's hair at the Cut Creators barber shop at 31 Tapscott Rd. shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police say one suspect opened fire on Thompson as patrons and other employees sat nearby.
Homicide detectives released security camera footage of the incident during a Friday afternoon press conference, describing the series of events as the cold and calculated work of an experienced gunman.
"Anybody who knows this suspect can see what he is wearing, you can see how he is built, you can see his gait. You can see how deliberate and calm he is," said Det. Sgt. Dan Nielsen. "This is a very cold-blooded act. We are hoping that will appeal to somebody.
Grainy surveillance video footage shows a man walking to the shop's front door, placing a duffel bag on the ground and removing a shotgun.
Police say he then entered the barber shop and confronted Thompson. The barber was shot multiple times.
Video then shows the suspect fleeing north toward McLevin Avenue. Police said the suspect may have had an accomplice waiting in a nearby parking lot.
Nielsen said that while the suspect's face cannot be seen, he is hopeful that it may jog someone's memory and lead them to step forward with fresh information.
Nielsen said that while several witnesses have come forward in the daylight shooting, the person who was getting his hair cut at the time of the attack has still not spoken with police.
"I understand this was a terrifying event and I totally understand there is an element of fear. I am hoping that man will come forward in time, sooner than later," he said.
The suspect is described as having dark skin and a slim build. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured or gray hoodie that partially concealed his face. He was also wearing a dark jacket and dark pants.
A trust fund has been set up for the victim's family:
Scotiabank account # 71332 0123714
Organization Administering the account is TAIBU Community Health Centre
27 Tapscott Rd. Unit 1
Contact: 416 644 3539 info@taibuchc.ca
