Police are offering a $50,000 reward they hope will help to solve the 15-year-old murder of a Vaughan man.
York Regional Police announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of one or both suspects in the murder of 33-year-old Manuel Desa, who died in 2000. The reward will be offered until Dec. 8, 2016, when the deal will expire, police said.
"New information has come to light and investigators are hopeful that the reward being offered will motivate people that have additional information to come forward and speak with police," a statement said.
Officers did not provide further details on the information, but said they are actively working to solve the case. They re-released a composite sketch of a suspect and several photos taken at the crime scene, hoping the pictures will "jog the memory of those individuals who may have information on this case."
Police said Desa was killed as he walked home with his common-law wife and child. The three were walking along Royal Colwood Court at approximately 10 p.m. on June 25, 2000, when they were surprised by two men near the front door of their home. Desa fought with the two men, and the struggle went into the street.
One of the men was reported to have told Desa, "It's OK Manny, it's me, Chris," police said.
Investigators said Desa was stabbed during the struggle, and the two men fled to a nearby car. Desa was rushed to hospital, but died before he arrived.
Officers said the suspects have been described as white and approximately 6 feet tall. The men were in their mid- to late-20s at the time, with stocky builds and broad shoulders.
One had short, light brown hair and light coloured eyes, while the other had short, dark hair.
The vehicle was described as a white or beige sedan.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
