For the second time in a week, the Toronto police are turning to the public for help in solving the city's latest murder of an innocent bystander.
Police have released a video appeal for tips in the investigation into the murder of Hou Chag Mao, who was killed by a stray bullet on Jan. 17 outside the Fu Yao Supermarket on Gerrard Street East.
The video is posted on YouTube in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Police have also created a group on Facebook.com called "Please Help! Hou Chang Mao" where these videos, posters and a photograph of a vehicle of interest are posted.
Investigators were also planning to hand out posters to the public Thursday evening outside the Fu Yao Supermarket.
The posters, written in both Chinese and English, asks anyone who may have witnessed the shooting to come forward to police with information. It also says there will be a $2,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. while Mao was working stacking fruit at the Gerrard Street supermarket in the city's east end. Police say the area was crowded with about 100 shoppers at the time.
Earlier this week, police said not one person had come forward with information to help police with the case.
"We have yet to receive a single phone call from this community or any other community to assist the Toronto police, in helping us in our goal to capture these killers," Insp. Peter Yuen said at the Jan. 21 community meeting.
That same day, detectives released a picture of a light-coloured car they believe is connected to the investigation, hoping to prompt some response from the public.
They also said they are looking to speak with two men seen running from the scene. Authorities are investigating whether the men witnessed the shooting or were the intended targets.
Mao, who has lived in Canada for two years, leaves behind an 18-year-old daughter Yun Yan and 23-year-old son Zuo Xi.
Funeral services for the victim are planned for Friday.
