North York: Slaying was gang-related, police believe

[Christina Marie]

Slaying was gang-related, police believe
Dec. 28, 2005. 05:21 AM
BETSY POWELL
CRIME REPORTER


Police now believe last week's slaying of 25-year-old Cordell Skinner was gang-related. It happened near a North York daycare centre and saw mothers using their bodies as shields to protect their children.

At least two gunmen hunted Skinner down and executed him around 5:30 p.m. last Friday as mothers were retrieving their children from daycare.

He was shot numerous times and died in front of 5 Turf Grassway, off Jane St., south of Finch Ave. W.

"Because of the bandanas that have been placed at this memorial site, along with some wreaths, I'd say preliminary investigation states right now our deceased is probably affiliated with a Blood group, because of the red bandanas," homicide detective Joel Kulmatycki said yesterday.

A source said residents in the area believe Skinner was likely killed in revenge after he "bitch-slapped" a member of a rival group of Bloods, "teaching him some manners and everybody knew that."

The younger member is associated with "The Lanes," the public housing complex known as Yorkwoods, who are "younger guys pushing for turf."

Video surveillance also picked up guys with guns running into another housing project within 30 seconds of Skinner's killing. It's unclear if the two incidents are related.

Kulmatycki is optimistic he'll find answers and solve Skinner's killing. He was Toronto's 77th homicide victim.

"Is my phone ringing off the hook? Nope. But I think if we stimulate some witness participation, maybe that's going to happen."

Eight years ago, when he was just 17, Skinner was shot several times not far from where he died.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Conten ... Source=RSS

[POBoyKarrSt]

Lanes (Grandravine drive) and Connections (Grassways) are 2 seperate Blood turfs on the Southside of Jane and Finch. Both of these neighbourhoods link up against the Crip sets on the north side of finch, but personal beefs flare up from time to time.

Some guys are still salty over this killing til this day.