Peel police have charged two people with first-degree murder in connection with the gang-related shooting of a 23-year-old Mississauga man at a house party over the weekend.
David Latchana died after being shot in the head at about 3:45 a.m. at a home in Malton region on Saturday. Police believe he was a member of the Crips, and the attack occurred as the result of an internal feud.
On Monday, police issued a first-degree murder warrant for 19-year-old Jayson Hay, of no fixed address. Police allege he is a member of the Crips.
The suspect surrendered to police on Wednesday and was charged, investigators said.
On Tuesday, officers arrested another suspect, 22-year-old Demar Nigil Duntin, of Mississauga. He has also been charged with first-degree murder.
Police say Duntin, aka Kobra, is also a member of the Crips. He is additionally charged with six firearms offences after police found a sawed-off shotgun and handgun during their investigation.
Police made several other arrests:
- Heather Ross, 20, of Mississauga, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder;
- Abell Shume, 22, of Vaughan, faces five firearms offences;
- Andrew Fenton, 22, of Mississauga, faces five firearms offences; and
- Vanisa Vongphakdy, 19, of Maple, is charged with five firearms offences and possession of a prohibited weapon.
All of the suspects were held for a bail hearing and appeared in a Brampton court on Wednesday.
Gang problem increasing
At the same press conference at the Peel police headquarters on Thursday, Chief Mike Metcalf said gang activity in the area has surged.
"In 2003 we identified 39 gangs in this region. In 2007, we've identified 110," Metcalf told reporters.
The chief said Peel police will launch a new anti-gang squad this weekend to combat the problem. The squad is being funded through an Ontario government initiative.
With a report from CTV's Jim Junkin
