Security cameras on the stone wallSuljo/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Three years after a 27-year-old Toronto man was beaten and then killed in the downtown core by an SUV that drove over him, his family and homicide detectives have renewed appeals for information that will lead to an arrest.
Rewards totalling $150,000 are also being offered, and the slain man's relatives have launched a multi-pronged campaign on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+ seeking tips.
Lead investigator Det. Sgt. Stacy Gallant warned the killer and the people who were with him that night that the case is anything but cold, and he urged them to step forward, if only to clear their consciences.
"The people responsible are still out there, living among family and friends, holding this inside," he told a media conference at police headquarters. "It's a heavy burden to wear for any one of these individuals who was in this vehicle."
If they choose not to do so, he added, "One of these days, myself and my partner will be knocking on your door. You can expect that to happen."
On Oct, 18, 2009, Christopher Skinner was heading home from the entertainment district after celebrating the 23rd birthday of his sister, Taryn, and was apparently trying to flag down a cab on Adelaide Street, just east of Yonge, when an altercation with a group of men in the SUV erupted.
Police theorize he may have inadvertently brushed against the vehicle.
For whatever reason, the men got out of the car, beat Mr. Skinner to the ground, got back in the vehicle and then drove over him, leaving him fatally injured.
Moments later, closed-circuit footage captured images of a black SUV speeding east along Adelaide.
At the time of his death, Mr. Skinner was engaged to be married.
His father Warren, who is a criminal lawyer, joined his daughter Taryn and Det. Sgt. Gallant in urging the killer's companions in particular to step forward, suggesting their culpability in the murder may be limited.
"The people inside the vehicle who weren't driving probably don't have a lot to worry about in terms of criminal responsibility," he said.
The family has "been through hell" but the campaign will continue until it bears fruit, Taryn Skinner told reporters.
"Even though it's been three years and we move on, it's still like it happened yesterday," she said.
"We are appealing to the public so that the people who have done this know we are still looking and we won't stop."
Anyone with information is asked to call the homicide squad at 416-898-7410, or Crime Stoppers, anonymously.
Further information can be found on Facebook, at FindSkinnersKiller, and on Twitter at @Find ChrisKiller.
As well, Taryn Skinner's personal appeal is posted on YouTube.