November 13th, 2023, 08:56h
Updated: November 13th, 2023, 09:06h
Authorities are searching for a 17-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of a security guard at Pickering Casino Resort in Ontario last month. Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith is wanted for the killing of 34-year-old Michael Ferdinand, who was fatally shot on October 9.
Durham Regional Police (DRP) have identified Nosworthy-Smith as a suspect and are seeking second-degree murder charges against him, as reported by CBC News. The public is being asked for assistance in locating him, with DRP Detective Sgt. Brad Corner urging people to report any sightings to the authorities.
Described as a 5-foot-8-inch tall, 110-pound Black male, Nosworthy-Smith has a tattoo on his left elbow that reads “Chantelle” and is also known by the nickname “Baby2.” Police believe he may be residing in the Jane and Finch area of northwestern Toronto.
Authorities have warned that Nosworthy-Smith is armed and dangerous, advising the public not to approach him but to call 911 immediately if spotted. He was identified as a suspect after detectives interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage.
It is possible that additional suspects connected to the shooting could be identified in the future. The motive for the murder is still unknown, and the shooting occurred on Canada’s Thanksgiving Day.
Following Ferdinand’s death, a GoFundMe page was created to support his family and has raised over $37,000. A fellow casino security guard, Viny Cuellar, expressed grief and emphasized Ferdinand’s dedication to his job in protecting others, calling his killing “a senseless act of gun violence.”
The fundraiser’s proceeds will go to Ferdinand’s widow, Mara, and other relatives to help ease the financial burden of their loss.
Pickering Casino Resort, located near Church Street and Highway 401 in Pickering, is operated by the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, the largest operator of land-based casinos in Ontario.
