$5K reward on offer for tips in 2019 shooting death of Amir Naraine

Toronto police have announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest in the death of a man shot and left in a car in Etobicoke five years ago.

Amir Naraine of Toronto, was found dead in the back seat of a car at a plaza on Kipling Avenue near Steeles Avenue W. at about 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2019. The 21-year-old had been in the car for about 19 hours before being found by emergency responders, according to police. Police believe he was shot somewhere else and then left in the lot.

At anews conference on Thursday, his mother, Devika Naraine, tearfully called on his friends to come forward with information.The cash reward, being offered by Toronto Crime Stoppers, is valid until Nov. 1.

"Amir was a remarkable, hard working young man. He was a great son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson and a friend. Amir was taken from us way too early," she said.

Surveillance camera video, made public by police on Thursday, shows two men getting out of a car and leaving Naraine wounded.

'Please say something,'victim's mother pleads

"We know that his friends know the where, when, who, how or what took place," his mother said. "You boys promised to have each other's backs. This is that time for you guys to have Amir's back...Please say something," his mother said.

"This isn't about being a rat. This is about putting Amir to rest in peace and finding justice for Amir."

Devika Naraine said the way her sonwas left to die was "so disgusting, so horrible" and his friends are the only ones who know his last words.

"My boy deserves to rest peacefully. Please help a mother, please help his family find closure," she added.

Det.-Sgt Aaron Akeson, of police's homicide and missing persons unit, appealed to the public for information, tellingreporters that police do not know where Amir was shot and who the shooter was.

"Amir's family has waited over four years for answers," Akeson said. "We believe someone in the community knows what happened that night. We are asking you to come forward and help bring justice for Amir. Even the smallest detail can make a big difference."

Victim went to party before shooting

On Sept. 28, 2019, Naraine visited his girlfriend in Brampton,according to Akeson. Between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., Naraine picked up a friend in Toronto's Mount Olive neighbourhood. Two unidentified men were in his car, a black 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.

The four of them went to a party in Brampton, but police don't know where the party was. There was an altercation and Naraine and his friend were shot.

After the shooting, police believe Naraine and his friend got into Naraine's car with the two unidentified men, one of whom drove the car. Naraine'sfriend was dropped off in the Mount Olive Drive area.

His friend survived after being treated in hospital, Akeson said. He has not provided a statement to police.

At about 12:15 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2019, the vehicle wasparked in the plaza at 2700 Kipling Avenue, where Naraine was later found. The two men were seen on video getting out of the car and heading northbound to Kipling Avenue.

At about 7 p.m., a different vehicle arrived in the plaza. Aman got out, looked inside Naraine'scar and then left. That man and another person called 911, Akeson said.

Akeson said officers from 23 Division foundNaraine in the vehicle with gunshot wounds.

Police describe one of the unidentified men, the driver, as short, wearing a hat, a light-coloured shirt and light-coloured runners. The other man, a passenger, is described as taller, dressed in dark clothing and also wearing light-coloured runners.

"We believe someone out there can help us identify these men," Akeson said.