Police have identified the female victim of a double homicide in Richmond Hill as a 16-year-old girl from Brampton.
Brenda Pathammavong was discovered suffering from a gunshot wound inside a vehicle near Yonge Street and Centre Street East in Richmond Hill after midnight Wednesday. She was declared dead at the scene.
“Brenda’s family and friends are devastated by this tragedy,” Pathammavong’s family said in a statement issued by police. “Brenda was a positive, selfless young woman who deeply loved her family.”
The youngest in her family, the statement said Pathammavong will be remembered for her “bright smile, giggles, intelligence and sass.”
Police discovered Pathammavong’s body after they were called to the area for reports of gunshots.
Two other men also suffering from gunshot wounds were discovered with her in the vehicle. They were both rushed to hospital, where one of them died of his injuries.
In a news release Thursday, police identified the deceased man as Premier Hoang, 18.
The third victim, a 20-year-old man, remains in hospital in critical condition. Police are not releasing his identity.
All three victims are from Brampton.
Police originally said Thursday they would not release the identities of the girl or the surviving victim, but they said the two were relatives.
However on Friday police said Pathammavong’s family had granted permission for the girl to be publicly identified.
Soon after the killings police said they believe the crime was targeted. On Friday, they added that they believe the killings were drug related and that the victims and the perpetrators may have known each other.
Police also acknowledged that the killings have shaken the normally quiet suburban area.
“Members of York Regional Police realize that this crime is devastating for the families and friends of the victims and is upsetting to the members of our communities,” police said in a news release. “Our investigators are working tirelessly to locate and arrest those responsible for this crime and we are seeking public assistance in identifying them.”
Investigators say they are looking for at least two suspects described as black males in their 20s who were wearing baggy clothes.
Investigators are also on the lookout for a grey or silver-coloured Honda Civic that was seen travelling westbound on Centre Street East around the time of the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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