Shooter identified as 73-year-old resident of Vaughan condo

The shooter's motive is not yet clear, police chief says; names of three men and two women who were killed have yet to be released

Newmarkettoday.ca
Dec. 20, 2022
Elizabeth Keith

York Regional Police have identified Francesco Villi as the shooter in the "horrific incident" at a Vaughan condo building last night in which five residents were killed and one seriously injured.

The 73-year-old man is a resident of the building, Chief Jim MacSween said, and he would not comment on whether he was known to police previously.

Police were called to the building, in the area of Jane Street and Rutherford Road, at about 7:20 p.m. Dec. 18 for a report of an active shooter and multiple victims, who are all residents of the building.

MacSween said the coroner is confirming the identities of the victims and they are not being released at this time, but three adult males and two adult females were killed. A 66-year-old woman was also seriously injured.

The victims were in three separate units in the building.

Three of the victims who were killed were members of the building's condo board, but MacSween said the motive of the shooter is not clear.

There was an interaction between Villi and police on the third floor, resulting in the suspect being fatally shot.

MacSween said the officer involved is a 24-year veteran of the service.

"He very likely saved lives by his actions last night," he said.

The investigation by York Regional Police is ongoing and the chief said detectives from the homicide bureau will be working diligently to find answers to this "horrific incident."

"We are truly shocked and sorry that such an incident took place in our region," MacSween said.

Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca responded to the shooting with a statement this morning.

"On behalf of the City of Vaughan and council, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims killed in the shootings that occurred in the area of Jane Street and Rutherford Road," he said.

He also said he has spoken directly with MacSween and wants to "recognize the brave first responders working to safeguard the situation following these tragic and unthinkable acts of violence."

Flags at all City of Vaughan facilities are flying at half-mast in honour of the victims.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also issued a statement saying he was shocked and saddened by the shooting in Vaughan.

"All of Ontario is thinking of the victims of this senseless violence and the family and friends grieving their loss," he said.