A birthday celebration in Toronto ended with a murder after shots rang out Wednesday night, killing a father of five.
Marlon Lennox Mason, 33, was shot as he was getting into his vehicle that was parked in front of a home on Campbell Avenue, near the area of Bloor Street and Lansdowne Avenue, at approximately 10:30 pm. Wednesday.
Mason, who came to Canada from Grenada 15 years ago, was known to police, but he didn't have a criminal record.
Police believe the shooting was targeted, but say the motive behind it is still unclear at this point.
"There's nothing in our investigation to date that would indicate any pre-existing baggage," Det. Sgt. Joyce Schertzer told reporters on Thursday. She adds that Mason didn't have any gang affiliation.
Mason, who had family in the area but didn't live on Campbell Avenue, was taken to hospital by a friend. He later died of his injuries.
Mason leaves behind four daughters and a young son. His friends told CTV Toronto that he will be missed.
"He was a great guy. He was so happy," one of his friends, who has known Mason for years, told CTV Toronto. "Great attitude. He was a great role model."
Mason was a house painter and spun reggae on the University of Toronto radio station on the weekend.
Police have not released a suspect description.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS).
With a report from CTV Toronto's Austin Delaney
