Toronto police are actively searching for 33-year-old Joseph Ayala, who is considered dangerous and wanted for second-degree murder after two of his female relatives were found dead in an Etobicoke home on Friday afternoon.
Ayala, who lived in the home with the victims, is described as five-foot-eleven with a shaved head. He is known to wear a cowboy hat, black cowboy boots, and a jacket with tassels on the sleeves.
Police have urged the public not to approach him but to call 911 immediately if he is seen.
The victims have not been officially identified, but neighbours told the Toronto Star that they were Ayala’s mother and grandmother.
The tragedy occurred on Silvercrest Avenue, where the neighbourhood is now on edge, with yellow police tape sectioning off the crime scene and multiple police vehicles stationed outside.
Nick Lachance/Toronto Star
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described the older woman as a “tiny” and “lovely lady” who had lived in the neighbourhood for decades.
Nick Lachance, Toronto Star
She recalled seeing Ayala being arrested about a year ago, with police confiscating what appeared to be a sword from the home. Another neighbour, Florence Duro, mentioned witnessing frequent arguments between Ayala and the younger woman.
Nick Lachance/Toronto Star
Det. Sgt. Jason Davis stated that police were called to the home by a concerned relative around 1 p.m. on Friday, where they found the two women injured and “beyond help.” Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The nature of their injuries has not been disclosed to protect the integrity of the investigation, and the motive behind the killings remains unclear.
POLICE INVESTIGATION (UPDATE)
— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 23, 2024
-Man Wanted, for 2nd degree murder
-Joseph Ayala, 33
-Described as 5'11, shaved head, known to wear a cowboy hat, black cowboy boots and a jacket w/tassels on the sleeve
-Considered dangerous, DO NOT APPROACH
-If located call 9-1-1 #GO1845574
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The incident has left the usually peaceful neighbourhood in shock, with residents expressing disbelief and sorrow over the loss of their long-time neighbours.
