Suspect in 2023 murder of casino security guard in Pickering arrested

A suspect in the 2023 murder of a security guard at Pickering Casino has been arrested in Saskatoon, though police are not saying what connection the suspect had in the shooting.

Michael Ferdinand, a 34-year-old security guard at the casino, was shot and killed on October 9, 2023.

Police arrived and found Ferdinand suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a Toronto trauma centre where he died from his injuries.

Police learned Ferdinand was gunned down inside the casino after a group was turned away earlier. The group returned and opened fire into the casino, striking Ferdinand.

“He was doing his job and ensuring the safety of all patrons of the casino. He was senselessly shot and killed,” Durham Regional Police Detective Sergeant Brad Horner said at a press conference a month after the shooting.

Police received a court order allowing the distribution of the name of the suspected shooter – who was 17 at the time – on two occasions, with the last permission lapsing on Boxing Day of last year.

The suspect is a would-be rapper who goes by the name ‘baby2,’ and has posted clips of songs and videos which reference shooting and murder multiple times on social media in the years since the murder.

He is of no fixed address but he does have ties to the Driftwood area near Jane Street and Finch Avenue in Toronto’s Downsview neighbourhood.

He is described as Black, 5’8 and 110 pounds and has a tattoo on his left elbow with the word ‘Chantel.’

What connection the man arrested last week in Saskatoon had to the shooter has not been confirmed but media reports peg his age as 20, the same age the alleged shooter would be.

“DRPS investigators located a suspect connected to the Pickering Casino Resort homicide investigation, outside of Ontario,” Durham Police spokesperson Kristie Jones said. “With the assistance of our out-of- province law enforcement partners, the suspect was successfully taken into custody. We are working closely with these law enforcement partners and will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that any individual sought in connection with this investigation is returned to the appropriate jurisdiction to face the charges against them. As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, further information will be released as it becomes available.”

Police had offered a $25,000 reward for information that would bring Ferdinand’s shooter to justice.

“Michael is greatly missed by his family and community. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect is urged come forward and speak with investigators,” a statement from Durham Regional Police read.