Toronto police said the shooting death of a man in northwest Toronto was not gang-related and homicide investigators are still working to determine a motive.
Det. Sgt. Wayne Banks said Wednesday that it was too early to say whether the shooting death of Clayton Wright was random or targeted, but he asserted that it was not connected to gang activity suspected in a recent mass shooting in the city’s east end.
“There is absolutely no information and no evidence that we have to show there is any kind of gang affiliation or motive behind this slaying,” Banks told a press conference.
“There is no threat of any retaliation that we are aware of that could come as a result of this.”
Wright, 42, of Mississauga, was pronounced dead after being shot late Tuesday night in the chest on Emmet Avenue, near the intersection of Jane Street and Eglinton Avenue.
The shooting occurred near a large soccer field. Police said Wright had just finished playing a game of soccer with about 20 other people when he was shot once in the chest.
Banks told the press conference that about a dozen of Wright’s fellow soccer players stayed to speak with police. Banks is appealing for more witnesses to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Banks said Wright was self-employed, but would not elaborate on what that entailed.
Wright’s death came less than a day after two people were killed and 23 others injured when gunfire erupted at a barbecue block party in Scarborough.
The mass shooting prompted renewed calls for tighter gun control and tough measures to curb gang violence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Wayne Banks at 416-808-7411 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
