A 39-year-old Ghanaian father of four was killed in a suspected random shooting, according to authorities in Toronto, Canada. Adu Boakye, identified by CTV News Toronto, was shot and killed on Saturday in northwest Toronto.
Boakye was gunned killed while waiting at a bus stop near Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue to send money to his wife in Ghana, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his family and burial expenses. Boakye relocated to Canada in November, according to CP24.
“Adu was the primary provider for his family with 4 children and also his elderly parents,” according to the GoFundMe page. “This devastating situation is a big loss for a family who is so far and cannot be here to see Adu for the last time.”
Boakye’s death occurred within 24 hours of a 16-year-old kid being shot in the same location, according to authorities. The teen, who is in critical condition at the hospital, was also waiting for a bus at the time of the shooting.
According to CTV News Toronto, Det. Phillip Campbell stated that there is no connection between Mr. Boakye and the shooter(s). “And like the victim shot the day before, Mr. Boakye was innocently going about his business [when he was shot].”
Authorities have yet to identify the shooter, but believe both incidents are linked. Campbell also suggested that the shootings could be gang-related. Campbell did not discuss the motive for the shootings, but he did remark that “nothing” now indicates the victims were linked with any group.
Supt. Andy Singh of 31 Division added that Boakye and the kid were “completely and utterly innocent.” Singh stated that this is the primary reason for what has “caused alarm in this community.” Campbell also added that he believes it will not be difficult to identify and catch the perpetrator.
According to Emmanuel Duodu, president of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario, the assassination of Boakye has left the community “traumatized and very concerned.”
“He was somebody who was really excited about this country,” Duodu was quoted as saying. “We can only imagine a wife, mother, or father being contacted to learn that their son, husband, or father, who has come to Canada, has been shot at random. That breaks my heart.”