Officers of 22 Division’s Neighbourhood Community program at Town Hall meeting with community members.
Toronto Police at a town hall meeting say they believe a fugitive accused of slaying two Alderwood women nine-months ago is still alive and hiding in the community.
“We are still getting tips on his possible whereabouts,” said 22 Division Unit Commander Jeff Bangild. “Our homicide officers are working hard on the case.”
More than 100 residents were in attendance at a 22 Division Community Police Liaison Committee town hall for a crime update.
Joseph Ayala, 33, of Toronto, is wanted for the high-profile second-degree murders after police received a call in August 2024 to conduct a well-being check at a house near Sheldon and Silvercrest Avenues.
Inside the home they found the bodies of 82-year-old woman and a 60-year-old woman, who were relatives of the suspect. They had been brutally killed.
Bangild told the community the case is not closed and officers are investigating full time.
“We believe that he is still alive and hiding somewhere,” he said. “There is nothing to indicate that he is not alive.”
Hold Up Squad Inspector Joseph Matys shows some of the hi-tech gear used by thieves to bypass, start and steal vehicles.
The senior officer was among 22 Division officers speaking at a Community Police Liaison Committee Town Hall on April 16 at the Toronto Police College, on Birmingham Street. Also present were Community Neighbourhood officiers and members of the Hold Up Squad.
The meeting was attended by about 100 concerned residents who were given an opportunity to ask questions in regards to events in the community.
Asked about the proposed and controversial homeless shelter on Third Street, Bangild said the City that decides the location of shelters, not the police.
“We will be involved in the security issues afterwards,” he said. “We work for the City and it is their decision.”
Police believe suspected double killer Joseph Ayala is still alive and someone is hiding him out from police capture.
Police said serious crimes as assaults, auto thefts, home invasions have decreased compared to last year.
Residents were told auto thefts are still a problem and there has been 142 vehicles stolen in the Division so far this year, the fourth highest amount in the City.
“Etobicoke has good escape route with highways to take vehicles to cool down,” said Inspector Joseph Matys, of the Hold Up Squad.
He said there has been a 57 per cent decrease in break and enter crimes targeting vehicles. In addition, pharmacy robberies dipped by 80 per cent and bank robberies plunged by 70 per cent in the last six months.