Grandfather of NHL defenseman identified as condo shooting victim

Upi.com
Dec. 21, 2022
Darrly Coote

Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The grandfather of a defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs was among the five people killed over the weekend in a mass shooting at a city of Vaughan condominium tower, the team confirmed Tuesday.

York Regional Police identified the victims in a statement Tuesday as Rita Camilleri, 57; Vittorio Panza, 79; Russell Manock, 75; Lorraine Manock, 71; and Naveed Dada, 59.

The team later confirmed that Panza was the grandfather to defenseman Victor Mete.

"The Toronto Maple Leafs are shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting that took place in Vaughan this past Sunday. Our hearts go out to Victor and his family, to all the families and friends of those affected and to the local community," the hockey club said in a statement.

Earlier Tuesday, York Regional Police chief Jim MacSween eulogized the five deceased during a press conference, which he said he wanted to use to "talk about who these people were and what they meant to their families."

"People are grieving," he said. "It's really important for not only us as an organization but for the community to wrap their arms around these families and help them through this difficult time."

Police were called to the building at about 7:20 p.m. where officers discovered the victims in various condo units. The gunman, identified as Francesco Villi, a 73-year-old resident of building, was confronted by police and fatally shot.

A sixth victim identified by authorities as a 66-year-old woman remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

York Regional Police have called on members of the public who may have video footage of the shooting to contact the Special Investigations Unit, which has taken over the case.

"The investigation is active and ongoing," it said.

Mete, who was selected by the Montreal Canadiens 100th overall in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL entry draft, was signed by the Toronto Maples Leafs as a free agent during the off season.