Three charged in shooting death of community activist

Police have arrested three men in connection with fatal shooting of Kenneth Mark.

The 29-year-old was shot dead in front of a Junction pizza restaurant on Gilmour Avenue, north of Dundas Street West, on Dec. 29.

Two teens were arrested in Toronto on Jan. 14. A third male was later arrested in Ottawa.

All three are each facing a charge of first-degree murder.

Investigators described the homicide as a cowardly act.

“It’s unbelievable that they walk up behind a fellow who’s listening to an iPod, sneak up on him from behind and shoot him in the back of the head,” Homicide Detective Hank Idsinga said at a Jan. 15 press conference, also attended by Kenneth’s brothers, Ian and Shawn.

“The cowardice that was displayed is incredible.”

Idsinga said a lot of the businesses and residents in the area where the incident took place were forthcoming with information, with some providing surveillance footage.

“Obviously, people don’t want to put up with that type of behaviour in their neighbourhood and they stood up and did something about it,” said Idsinga.

Investigators believe Mark was targeted, but declined to comment on whether his death is linked to his efforts to keep violence out of his neighbourhood. According to reports, Kenneth was known in his west-end community as an activist trying to steer youth away from a life of crime.

At the press conference, Shawn Mark described his brother Kenneth as a gentle giant who was always trying to show the kids there’s a different way in life.

Lamar Skeete, 19, and two 16-year-old males who cannot be named were charged with one count of first-degree murder each.