Authorities in Ontario, Canada are searching for 17-year-old Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith in connection with the murder of a security guard at the Pickering Casino Resort last month. The suspect is wanted for the killing of 34-year-old Michael Ferdinand, with police seeking to charge him with second-degree murder, according to CBC News.
Nosworthy-Smith, described as a Black male standing at 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 110 pounds, has a tattoo on his left elbow reading “Chantelle” and is also known by the nickname “Baby2.” Authorities have warned the public that he is considered armed and dangerous, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact 911 and to refrain from approaching him.
Detectives identified Nosworthy-Smith as a suspect after interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage. Further suspects linked to the shooting may be identified in the future, as the shooter or shooters reportedly fired numerous bullets at Ferdinand while he was on duty inside the casino building.
The motive for the murder, which occurred on Canadian Thanksgiving Day, has not been disclosed by authorities. Ferdinand was rushed to a trauma center after sustaining critical wounds but tragically did not survive.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was established to support Ferdinand’s family, raising $37,390 as of Monday morning. The fundraiser aims to assist Ferdinand’s widow, Mara, and other relatives in coping with the loss and the financial strain of his passing.
The Pickering Casino Resort is located near Church Street and Highway 401 in Pickering, approximately 28 miles east of Toronto, and is operated by the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, the largest operator of land-based casinos in Ontario.