Reward in Execution-Style Murder
The 26-year-old was gunned down in the Weston-Mount Dennis neighbourhood after walking away from a man with whom he had an argument. The man pulled a gun and shot the deceased several times.
At a press conference at police headquarters on Jan. 16, Det. Leslie Dunkley said he hopes the reward, authorized by Chief Bill Blair, will help to crack the 15-month-old case. The reward will be paid for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder.
“This was a public execution of a human being who was gunned down on a street corner in the presence of innocent civilians and adjacent to an occupied children’s daycare centre,” said Dunkley. “The person responsible for this murder remains at large and it’s in the interest of public safety that this individual and any co-conspirators are brought to justice.”
Dunkley, who took over as lead investigator from D/Sgt. Frank Skubic, assured Fullerton’s family – two of whom attended the press conference – and the public that investigators are working tirelessly to solve the case.
He hopes the reward will spur witnesses to speak to police.
“I believe a number of witnesses who have not come forward have crucial information about the events that took place on that Tuesday when Fullerton was murdered and also have knowledge of the identity of the shooter,” he said. “The investigation will be solved. I believe the killer is a person known in that community and frequents that community. We have received some information and cooperation from the community which has assisted us in understanding the dynamics of what took place that Tuesday afternoon. What remains unclear is why this occurred and who is responsible.”
Fullerton was gunned down around 4.20 p.m. by someone driving a four-door silver car. Surveillance video of the suspect and vehicle was shown at the conference.
Leonard Fullerton’s father, Leaford, and aunt, Marvia Creary, attended the press conference and appealed for witnesses to step forward.
“If anyone has something, even a friend, talk to the police and let’s solve this murder,” said Creary. “He didn’t deserve to die like this.”
Leaford Fullerton, a former Toronto Police Parking Enforcement Officer, said he’s still trying to grapple with the loss of his only son.
“It’s not easy to lose your only son,” he said. “It’s very painful. If anyone has some knowledge of who killed my son, let the police know.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dunkley at 416-808-7400 ext. 7424, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or by texting TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
