Toronto police continue to hunt for a brazen gunman who shot and killed a man at point-blank range while the victim was working in an east-end barber shop, before leaving without speaking a single word.
Police say one suspect walked into the Cut Creators barber shop at 31 Tapscott Rd. shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday and opened fire on an employee from close range as patrons and other employees sat nearby.
The suspect then left, fleeing the scene through a Malvern Town Centre parking lot as afternoon shoppers were drawn in by the commotion.
Chris Thompson, the 35-year-old father of two children, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"It is very clear from our investigation that Chris was specifically targeted in this incident," Det. Sgt. Dan Nielsen told a press conference on Wednesday. "At this time we just don't know why."
Nielsen added, "This was a brutal and senseless attack on a man who had no escape and no means to defend himself."
Nielsen said several people who were inside the shop at the time of the attack stayed to speak with investigators. There were also some who fled the scene, including a man who was getting his hair cut by Thompson, who officers would like to speak to.
Friends of the victim and patrons said that they were surprised this could happen to the beloved Malvern barber.
"He don't do nothing. He's a peaceful guy. Why?" Sylis, a friend, told CTV Toronto.
Another friend, Dan Smith, said that the barber was a generous man.
"Anytime I needed money for a haircut, he gave me a free haircut, you know what I mean? He was just that kind of person, you know?" Smith said. "It just doesn't make sense. He wasn't into that violence and gang stuff."
On Twitter, Thompson was remembered as a kind and respected member of the Malvern community. Police say he was targeted in the attack and that Malvern store owners should fear being randomly targeted.
On Wednesday, police detailed the meticulous process undertaken by the killer during a brutal attack that lasted little more than a few minutes.
Police say the man walked to the shop's front door, when he placed a duffel bag on the ground and removed a shotgun. He then entered the barber shop and confronted Thompson while he was cutting a customer's hair.
"The suspect shot Chris multiple times at point-blank range before exiting the shop. He put the gun back in the bag and slung it over his shoulder again," Nielsen said.
The suspect then fled north toward McLevin Avenue, police said. The suspect may have had an accomplice waiting in a nearby parking lot.
The suspect is described as having dark skin and a slim build. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured or gray hoodie that partially concealed his face. He was also wearing a dark jacket and dark pants.
He was carrying a small bag over his right shoulder and is believed to be in possession of a long-barreled firearm.
Nielsen said he partially concealed his face as he executed the murder in a "cool, calculated" fashion.
In response to reporters' questions, Nielsen said Thompson was known to police, but "the information is dated. That's all I'll comment on that."
Nielsen said that no evidence has surfaced that suggests there is any link between Thompson's death and the shooting death of Anthony Spencer. Spencer, an aspiring rapper, was shot in a recording studio at Brimley Road and Lawrence Avenue East on Saturday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Dan Nielsen at 416-808-7398 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from CTV Toronto's Tamara Cherry
