Toronto police identify suspect, 19, in fatal Etobicoke shooting of 18-year-old

TORONTO — Toronto Police Service has identified one of two suspects in a fatal shooting in Etobicoke that left an 18-year-old man dead. Police are warning residents not to approach the suspect, whom they describe as armed and dangerous.

Police said the suspect is Joseph Kunene, 19, of Toronto.

He is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Brandon Blake, 18, of Barrie, Ont.

Police released his photo and asked the public for help locating him. They are continuing to search for a second person believed to have been involved.

Details of the Etobicoke shooting

The incident dates back to the early hours of Tuesday, Nov. 10, when Toronto police received a report of gunshots near the intersection of Martin Grove Road and Finch Avenue West.

Officers arrived in the area at about 12:56 a.m. and found a young man suffering from gunshot wounds near the Elmbank Community Centre.

Emergency personnel tried to save his life by providing first aid, but his injuries were serious and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation found that two people suspected of involvement in the shooting left the area before police patrols arrived.

The Homicide and Missing Persons unit took over the investigation, collecting forensic evidence and taking statements from witnesses.

Police identify the first suspect

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Toronto police announced that Joseph Kunene had been identified as one of the people wanted in the case.

According to the official statement, the suspect is about 183 centimetres tall and weighs about 79 kilograms, with black hair and brown eyes.

He also has a distinctive tattoo on his right hand, a detail that may help in identifying him.

Police said he is wanted for first-degree murder and urged anyone who knows where he is to contact authorities immediately.

Investigators stressed that people should not try to approach or confront him because he is considered armed and dangerous.

Police have not yet announced his arrest. The charge against him is an allegation that has not been proven in court.

Search for a second suspect

Authorities are still looking for another man, whom they have not yet been able to identify.

Police described him as a white man with a slim build who was dressed entirely in black at the time of the incident.

He was also wearing a hood pulled up and a mask covering most of his face, which makes it harder to identify him from video footage.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance cameras in the area and gathering accounts from residents who may have seen suspicious activity before or after the shooting.

Authorities have not said whether the suspects knew the victim or had any prior dispute with him.

Possible dispute before the shooting

Det. Sandra Aruda said preliminary information indicates there may have been an altercation inside a nearby residential complex before the shooting.

Investigators found a number of shell casings in the area but have not yet determined how many people fired shots.

Police have also not reached a conclusion on whether the attack targeted Brandon Blake specifically, or on what led him to be at the location.

Authorities continue to examine the evidence to establish the exact sequence of events and the possible motive.

Toronto's 34th homicide

Toronto police said Brandon Blake's death is the 34th homicide recorded in the city since the start of 2026.

Authorities asked anyone with information or video related to the incident to contact the Homicide unit at 416-808-7400.

People who see the wanted suspect can call 911 and should not try to intervene themselves.

Police hope new information will help locate the two suspects and establish the full circumstances of the killing.