As I stared at the yellow police tape cordoning off yet another crime scene in Brampton last night, the familiar faces of concerned residents gathered behind it reminded me of a troubling pattern. This community knows the drill all too well.
Peel Regional Police are calling Wednesday night’s deadly shooting of a 30-year-old man near Kennedy Road and Sandalwood Parkway an “isolated and targeted incident” – language that offers cold comfort to families living in the area.
According to investigators at the scene, officers responded to reports of gunshots around 9:15 p.m. and discovered a man with life-threatening injuries. Despite emergency medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police have yet to release the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.
“We believe this was not a random act of violence,” Inspector Lori Murphy told me while standing near the taped-off residential street where evidence markers dotted the pavement. “Our homicide unit is actively pursuing several leads, but we’re asking residents to check security cameras and dashcams for any unusual activity between 8:30 and 10 p.m.”
This marks Peel Region’s ninth homicide of 2024, statistics that fail to capture the ripple effects these incidents have on communities already grappling with safety concerns. Last year, Peel recorded 28 homicides according to Statistics Canada data – a number that represents far more than just crime statistics to local residents.
Brampton councillor Harkirat Singh, who represents the area, expressed his concerns when I spoke with him this morning. “Every time we experience gun violence, it shakes our sense of security. Residents deserve to feel safe walking their streets,” he said. “We’re working closely with police and community organizations on prevention strategies, but these incidents show we need more coordinated action.”
At Guru Nanak Community Services, just blocks from the shooting scene, program director Jaspreet Kaur noted an uptick in calls from worried parents. “After each incident, we see more families asking about youth programs and safe spaces,” she explained. “There’s a real hunger for community-based solutions that address the root causes before violence happens.”
The shooting location sits in a residential pocket surrounded by schools, parks, and shopping centers – precisely the kind of everyday setting that leaves residents feeling vulnerable. Canvassing the neighbourhood this morning, I found many reluctant to speak on record, but their whispered concerns shared common themes: increasing youth violence, insufficient police presence, and a sense that systemic issues remain unaddressed.
Peel’s latest data on violent crime shows a complex picture. While overall crime rates haven’t significantly increased year-over-year, gun violence incidents have become more concentrated in certain neighbourhoods. The region’s 2023-2025 Community Safety and Well-being Plan acknowledges these patterns and outlines prevention strategies focused on at-risk youth and community support services.
“This kind of targeted violence doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” noted Professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, a criminologist at the University of Toronto who studies urban violence patterns. “While police response is crucial, addressing underlying factors like economic opportunity, housing stability, and youth engagement remains essential for long-term solutions.”
Back at the crime scene, forensic teams continued their methodical work well into the morning. A steady stream of residents walked past on their way to work and school, some pausing to watch, others hurrying by with children in tow – a visual reminder of how violence disrupts community rhythm.
Detectives have established a dedicated tip line at 905-453-2121, extension 3205, and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes. The investigation remains in its early stages.
For Brampton resident Mariam Ahmed, whose children attend a school less than a kilometer from the shooting, these incidents force difficult conversations. “I found myself explaining to my nine-year-old why there were police cars everywhere this morning,” she said as we spoke outside a local coffee shop. “No parent should have to navigate that, but here we are again.”
Mayor Patrick Brown addressed the incident during his morning media availability, promising increased police visibility in the affected area. “Public safety remains our top priority,” he stated, highlighting recent investments in community policing initiatives. “Every resident deserves to feel secure in their neighbourhood.”
As the day progressed, a small memorial of flowers appeared near the scene – a sadly familiar sight in communities touched by violence. The investigation continues, but for residents, the impact lingers long after police tape comes down and news crews leave.
Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
