The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has identified a man who was found injured and later declared dead inside an Ajax home early Tuesday.
He’s been identified as 24-year-old Thisal (Sam) Sanjula Perera.
A police spokesperson told CityNews that officers were called to a home for a break-and-enter around 12:40 a.m. in the area of Shorten Place, near Taunton Road West and Westney Road West. However, police do not believe the home was broken into.
When officers arrived, they found Perera with significant injuries inside the residence. Life-saving measures were performed but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
“Based on the preliminary information that our investigators have we do believe it was targeted, which is why we don’t believe at this time it was specifically a break-and-enter, that’s just the type of call that came in. That is why be believe as well that there is no concern to public safety – because it was targeted specific to the deceased individual,” said DRPS Const. Nicholas Gluckstein in an update.
It is unclear how the victim was killed or what weapons, if any, were used.
“What I can tell you is there were significant traumatic injuries… the weapons used is something that is still under investigation. As the evidence is accumulated, and pending the post-mortem examination, we’ll be able to confirm exactly what was used,” Gluckstein told reporters.
Police say multiple suspects were seen fleeing the area on foot moments after the attack, before officers arrived. Suspect descriptions are not available at this time and it is not clear whether the victim and suspects knew each other.
Authorities will be canvassing the neighbourhood, gathering surveillance footage and speaking with residents.
Anyone who was in the area between 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. and has cellphone, dashcam or surveillance video or any other information is asked to contact police