Police release surveillance video in Beckles murder

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The family of an Etobicoke man gunned down on his front porch late last month issued an emotional plea to his killers today – to turn themselves in. Edith Beckles described her 46 year old son Donald, as her “hands and feet”. A good, God-fearing and loving man, who did not deserve to die.

Police concur, saying Donald Beckles was an innocent man. As their investigation continues, police released some surveillance footage taken in the neighbourhood on the night of the shooting. It shows his attackers arriving and then leaving the scene of the crime. Police say Beckles was hearing-impaired, and likely had no idea that the gunmen were approaching, before they shot and killed him. What they are certain of, however. is that Beckles had no connection, to those who killed him. “Make no mistake, Donald Beckles was an innocent man” said Detective Murray Barnes with the Toronto Police Homicide Unit “he had no ties or affiliation with any gang, nor did he have any issues with the police.”

Beckles was standing on the porch of his home in the Jamestown community of Etobicoke, when a black sedan turned the corner, and stopped. Two gunmen got out, and made their way through the shadows to Beckles, gunned him down, and ran back to the car; speeding off, moments later. Today, Toronto Police released a videotape of that event, and called for the residents of the Jamestown community, to speak up. “I know that there are a number of members of the community who know exactly who these two suspects are.”

Today, there was also an impassioned plea from Donald Beckles mother, who described her son as a gift from God. She begged his killers to repent. “If this is their first senseless act of taking a life, I pray that this is their last. There is a better path to travel in this walk of life.”

Investigators say they are well into the case, but are missing a vital piece: information, and co-operation, from a community that is wary – and sometimes hostile – to police. “The killers of Donald Beckles do not deserve the protection of community silence” said Detective Barnes.

Toronto Police are calling on anyone that may have information in the case to step forward, either by calling the homicide squad directly, or through the use of Crimestoppers.

A vigil for Donald Beckles and his family, is scheduled for Saturday evening, outside the Beckles home at 163 Jamestown Crescent in Etobicoke.