Long Branch victim Matthew Bergart was an upcoming poker player on the professional circuit who was slain by three suspects who fled.
Three men are sought for the Long Branch home invasion murder of a professional poker player.
Matthew Bergart, 30, of Toronto, was shot to death on April 25 around 2:25 a.m. by the masked suspects who forced their way into a townhouse in the Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Long Branch Avenue area.
Homicide officers said the suspects ‘forcibly entered a residential unit and made demands for personal valuables.’
Two other occupants were in the home at the time.
Police search for security video and other evidence at a townhouse at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Long Branch Avenue. Photo courtesy of CTV News.
A struggle ensued and Bergart was shot multiple times, Det.-Sgt. Brandon Price said.
“The victim was transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries,” police said.
The suspects were described as wearing dark clothing, and balaclavas, and fled in a white or light-coloured sedan southbound on Long Branch Avenue to Westbound Lake Shore Boulevard West.
Officers were canvassing area residents to obtain video from security cameras.
“We believe this is a targeted situation in that valuables were sought,” Price said.
Bergart’s name was listed 825 on a World Series of Poker list of top 1,000 money winners.
The victim was rushed to hospital via emergency run but later died.
Police said the victim did not reside at the townhouse but was visiting the residence at the time of the shooting.
Bergart is listed in a poker database as an upcoming professional player whose earnings was $18,535.
He won the sum in 2019 at the 50th Annual World Series of Poker in a World Championship $10,000 Buy in No-Limit Hold’em main event.
Bergart is ranked 825 in the top 1,000 earners in the World Series of Poker.