Police are investigating an alleged gun-for-hire network that utilizes teenagers to carry out shootings across the Greater Toronto Area for payments typically under $1,000 per job. The investigation has linked this group to at least 27 shootings, including a March attack on the U.S. consulate and the recent killing of Toronto officer Marc Pinizzotto.
How did a bungled Oakville shooting trigger a larger investigation?
On a Sunday morning in March, a gunman and an accomplice opened fire on a stone house near the Oakville waterfront. While the incident initially appeared to target executives linked to GFL Environmental, investigators determined the attackers actually hit the wrong property.
Police told neighbors that the mistake may have been caused by a mix-up with Google Maps. The intended target was reportedly Pasquale Luongo, a veteran of the waste management industry who lives across the street, rather than the residents of the house that was shot.
What is the connection between these shootings and the death of an officer?
The investigation gained momentum following a March 26 shooting at an Etobicoke Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym. During the pursuit of the suspects, police recovered a cellphone containing a GPS address that pointed toward the residential street in Oakville.
This evidence led to the arrest of 18-year-old Jayon Burgher. A subsequent high-risk takedown of a North York apartment on June 11 resulted in the arrest of 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, who is accused of firing the shot that killed 43-year-old officer Marc Pinizzotto.
How does the alleged gun-for-hire network operate?
According to Toronto investigators, the network functions through a multi-layered system involving a middleman. This intermediary assigns shooting jobs to teenagers, who are then paid relatively small sums to perform the attacks.
The group’s activities have spanned various targets, including GFL Environmental facilities and the homes of Green Infrastructure Partners executives. While the network has been linked to dozens of incidents, authorities have not yet identified the clients who are allegedly paying for these services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the intended target in the Oakville shooting?
Investigators believe the attackers were looking for Pasquale Luongo, a former waste management professional, but hit a neighboring house by mistake.
How much are the shooters paid for their work?
Sources indicate that the teenagers involved in this network are typically paid under $1,000 per job.
What charges is Nicholas Bennett facing?
Bennett is accused of first-degree murder in the killing of officer Marc Pinizzotto and also faces charges related to the Etobicoke gym shooting.
What impact will the continued investigation into this network have on public safety in the GTA?
