A somber announcement is expected Monday morning as Durham Regional Police prepare to address the media regarding the murder of Michael Ferdinand, a tragedy that unfolded over two years ago.
Ferdinand, just 34 years old, was diligently performing his duties as a security guard at the Pickering Casino Resort on a quiet October morning in 2023 when his life was brutally cut short shortly after 5 a.m. He was simply ensuring the safety of others.
Police Chief Peter Moreira, Detective Sergeant Erik Mamers, and Ferdinand’s wife, Mara Abolins, will speak at 11 a.m. in Whitby, seeking any new leads that might finally bring closure to this agonizing case.
The investigation initially focused on a 17-year-old boy, identified as a suspect within a month of the shooting. A Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest, but the court order allowing public release of his name and image eventually expired.
Investigators pieced together a harrowing sequence of events: a group of armed individuals, both men and women, descended upon the casino on Durham Live Ave. early on Thanksgiving morning, unleashing violence before swiftly fleeing the scene.
Ferdinand was discovered with grave wounds inside the casino and rushed to a Toronto hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. He left for work that day, never to return home to his wife.
Those who knew Ferdinand remember him as a remarkably generous and genuine soul. Co-workers described a selfless man who consistently prioritized the wellbeing of others, radiating warmth with his infectious laugh and bright smile.
The community rallied around Ferdinand’s family, organizing a vigil and a fundraising campaign to provide support during their unimaginable grief. The outpouring of love underscored the profound impact he had on those around him.
Detectives meticulously reviewed surveillance footage, conducted countless interviews, and painstakingly gathered evidence, ultimately leading to the identification of the initial suspect. He was known to have ties to the Driftwood area of North York.
The suspect was described as Black, approximately 5-foot-8, and weighing 110 pounds, with a distinctive tattoo on his left elbow bearing the name “Chantel.”
Police are renewing their appeal for information, urging anyone with knowledge of this case to come forward. Those with information are encouraged to contact the Durham Regional Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The Ferdinand family, and the entire community, await answers and justice for a life tragically lost.
