Ottawa Police say the murder of Levy Kasende, 22, is part of a disturbing trend of increased gun and gang related violence in the capital.
“Gang members are using guns more often and they’re being more brazen in their attacks,” said Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau. “This shooting that took place in a parking lot at night with other people in the area. Gone are the days when individuals use their fists.”
Kasende was killed when an SUV drove up to the housing complex he was visiting at 2676 Innes Road and opened fire around 12:45 a.m. in the east-end community of Blackburn Hamlet.
He was visiting his ex-girlfriend and four-month-old daughter Jayla-Marie at the time, with friends saying they saw him take his last breaths after "the perfect drive-by" shooting.
"Everyone was just trying to see if he's OK, just talking to him to see if he's going to be fine," said friend Marisa Titus.
"He was just trying to breathe, gasping for air . . . next thing you know he just took that last breath, that 'aaah' and his eyes opened and he was was just lifeless."
His death is Ottawa's fifth homicide of 2012.
City police said they're still investigating Kasende's murder and wouldn't talk about possible motives, but said Sunday he had been known to them.
"We're continuing to talk to neighbours and canvas the area," said S-Sgt. Bruce Pirt.
"Come forward," said Titus to any witnesses. "It's sad seeing a four-month-old have no father and have his life taken like that."
Police added they found an abandoned SUV near city limits, but wouldn't confirm if it was the one involved.
Bordeleau said extra officers have been added to the Guns and Gangs Unit.
There will be a symposium about the issue in October to help the community address some of the root causes of gang involvement.
Anyone with information can call the Ottawa police's major crimes unit at 613-236-1222 extension 5493.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Ellen Mauro.
