Vehicle of interest sought in 2013 Yorkdale mall homicide

Toronto police have identified a vehicle of interest in connection with what police describe as a “targeted assassination” outside Yorkdale mall last year.

The vehicle sought is a silver 2004-2007 four-door Chevrolet Malibu Maxx.

“It is very similar to a Malibu, except that it is a hatchback,” Det. Rob North said at a news conference on Monday afternoon.

“I would ask that, if you owned or possessed this type of vehicle and it was in the City of Toronto on March 30, and we have not reached out to you, please contact [police].”

Michael Nguyen, 23, and a second person were shot in the parking lot on the evening of March 30, 2013. Nguyen was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second victim managed to escape and was taken to hospital where he recovered from his injuries.

Det. North said his team has looked at hundreds of hours of surveillance footage in determining a vehicle of interest.

Moreover, North said at least three shooters “converged on Mr. Nguyen and his associate in the west parking lot as they returned to their vehicle.” Police believe they were rivals; however, he wouldn’t discuss specifics.

“I wouldn’t say there was a specific group. What I can say is that based on Mr. Nguyen’s lifestyle there are many people who would rival him in his dealings,” he said.

North wouldn’t go into detail but said drug ties are possible.

He also said that based on Nguyen’s lifestyle there would be many people who would be considered rivals.

Police recovered a firearm in the parking lot, but North would not say who the firearm belonged to.

Investigators also provided brief descriptions of the suspects:

Suspect #1: male, described by witnesses as “mixed race, white and Asian,” around 25 years old, five-feet-eight-inches to five-feet-10-inches inches tall, with a medium build to heavy build, and short hair.

Suspect #2: male, light skin (possibly of Persian or Middle Eastern descent), and in his 20s.

Suspect #3: male, described as being Asian, in his 20s, medium height, and a medium to heavy build.

They were dressed predominately in black clothing and the first male had his face partially covered.

Police are also appealing for any witnesses who were at the scene and have not yet spoken to police to come forward.

According to police, the gun that was recovered at the homicide scene was found near the victim and it had not been fired.

Earlier in the investigation, police said the victims were targeted and ambushed in a crime that “likely” has gang ties.

Police allege both victims were known members of a violent Toronto street gang called the Asian Assassins.

At least eight shots were fired during the hit, police had said.

So far, no arrests have yet been made in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

With files from Christine Chubb and Michael Talbot