Police Establish Command Post In Search For 4th Murder Victim’s Killer
Posted January 26, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
To all but those who knew him best, Shawn McLean was somewhat of mystery in life. In death, the 22-year-old’s story has left even more questions unanswered.
McLean, Toronto’s fourth murder victim of 2008, was discovered Tuesday night suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. He died in hospital Friday evening, the culmination of three days of frustration for his family as well as investigators.
So on Saturday, while McLean’s loved ones planned his funeral, Toronto Police canvassed the Jane and Wilson area and homicide detectives sat at headquarters, trying to figure out who killed a young man they say had no gang ties, no enemies and no criminal record.
“We are trying to grasp the situation and figuring out where do we move from here,” said McLean’s uncle, Kelroy Pennant on Saturday afternoon.
Around the same time, officers set up a command post Saturday, just steps from where it’s believed Shawn was gunned down after leaving North York’s Sheridan Mall that fateful evening.
It’s alleged McLean was walking north on Jane Street Tuesday night around 8:30. Some residents in nearby apartments say they heard multiple gunshots moments before an off-duty TTC supervisor spotted him slumped over on the sidewalk and called 911.
“We don’t believe at this point that Mr. McLean did anything to contribute to his death,” said Det. Sgt. Brian Borg, Toronto Homicide. “But again, we’re leaving all possibilities open.”
One possibility is that the shooting was a completely random act. Shawn kept to himself and had few friends. He often went to the mall alone, as seen in a photo released of him just an hour before he was shot. Family members say he was often depressed and would go there during those times.
Police are hoping two men — one white and one black — who were seen in a black Toyota Camry or Nissan, will come forward with information.
“We believe those are just people who stopped … but left before the arrival of police,” Det. Sgt. Borg said of the persons of interest.
Shawn’s uncle says moving here from Jamaica was very tough on the 22-year-old. His large family is devastated, especially his mother.
“I really can’t find a word in the English language to really describe her right now, but she’s totally out of it,” he said. “I would just appeal to the community to come forward with any information you have, because the next time somebody’s crying it could be them.”
If you have any information that can help detectives, call the Homicide Squad at (416) 808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
