Police identify 2 men killed in targeted shooting at Toronto street festival

Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, died after gunfire erupted at Salsa on St. Clair

Toronto police identify 2 victims of the deadly Salsa on St. Clair shooting

Toronto police have identified the two people killed in Saturday’s shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival. CBC’s Greg Ross breaks down everything we know so far.

Toronto police have identified two men killed in what they say was a targeted shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival on Saturday night.

Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, were killed when gunfire erupted in the area of St. Clair Avenue and Arlington Avenue, Toronto police said in a news release on Monday. Their deaths mark the city’s 19th and 20th homicides of the year.

Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said at a news conference Monday that the two men killed knew one another.

One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died in hospital. Five other people struck by gunfire were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers responded to calls about the shooting at 8:12 p.m.

Security footage shows crowd rushing from Salsa on St. Clair festival

Timestamped security footage obtained by CBC News shows people running along Arlington Avenue just off the Salsa on St. Clair festival around 8 p.m. Saturday, and then a second rush of people about 45 minutes later. Police say they responded to calls for a shooting in the area at 8:12 p.m.

Police recovered two firearms at the scene, Demkiw said. He said police do not have information on suspects at this time.

Police are seeking relevant video footage and images from anyone in the area at the time of the shooting. That material can be uploaded using the QR code here or at this link.