Gaming at back of Moka cafe where 2 were killed: Cops

torontosun.com
July 8, 2015
By Nick Westoll

Investigators want to know if the quadruple shooting that left two people dead at a Vaughan cafe last month is connected to a gaming operation they found in the back, police say.

Officers discovered card tables and electronic gaming machines in a section separated from the cafe. Investigators haven’t determined if it’s linked to the June 24 killings at Moka Espresso Bar Cafe, York Regional Police said Wednesday.

“We’re putting it out, seeking information, because that might be something that someone ... may be able to call us with some other tips,” Const. Laura Nicolle said.

She said she wasn’t aware of complaints about the gaming operation and didn’t know how long it had been running.

A City of Vaughan spokesman said officials haven’t received any bylaw or licensing complaints about the establishment.

Maria Voci, 47, and Christopher de Simone, 24, both of Vaughan, were pronounced dead at the cafe on Islington Ave. just south of Hwy. 7.

Two other people were taken to hospital, but they have since been released and both are speaking with police.

Police have released surveillance images of the suspect and said they have received several tips. Investigators say he should find a lawyer and turn himself in to police.

He’s described as black, 6-feet tall, with a muscular build. He was last seen wearing a grey Air Jordan jacket, a Toronto Blue Jays hat and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call the homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 2411 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.