More than $12,000 has been raised in days in a Go Fund Me campaign to help with the burial of an Etobicoke man who was shot to death earlier this month.
Habil Hassan, 21, was shot and killed on April 3, while his friend survived after they were shot while driving in a car in the Scarlett Road area around 5:40 p.m.
Police said another vehicle pulled up alongside them and at least two suspects opened fire on their vehicle, striking Hassan and the other occupant.
The victims pulled off the road and dialed 911.
Hassan was rushed to hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead, while his accomplice suffered non-life threatening gunshot injuries.
“Habil and a friend were both shot inside their car in a drive-by shooting,” wrote campaign organizer Ramsay B, of Etobicoke. “We are all devastated by Habil’s loss and this incident has shaken his family and the community.”
“Habil was always known for his radiant smile and the genuine care he had for those around him,” according to his eulogy. “He will be missed deeply, and remembered as the beautiful, loving, enthusiastic and caring young man that he was.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn a life that was taken so young, but one that has not left in vain,” his friends wrote on social media.
The organizers said the funds raised will help “his family lay his body to rest,” and help with the cost of funeral arrangements.
A donation will be made in honour of Hassan towards the construction of a school, orphanage and feeding of those less fortunate in Africa.
Homicide officers said the two suspects believed to be involved in the shooting then crashed their car into another vehicle at the corner of Scarlett and Dixon Roads and fled the scene on foot.
Suspect number 1 is described as male, black, 20-25 years, wearing a dark coat and dark pants.
Suspect number 2 is described as male, black, 20-25 years, wearing light coloured jeans and a light blue surgical mask.
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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.