A Toronto man gunned down during a fatal robbery attempt in Kentucky Saturday co-owned a coffee shop in Riverdale and worked at a popular Cabbagetown bar, CP24 has learned.
Colleagues identified the victim as Scott Hunter. Hunter, 49, was a co-founder of Grinder Coffee, located east of Gerrard Square. A message posted to Facebook Monday said the coffee shop would remain closed today but that a book of condolences will be set up for people to sign.
A patron at House on Parliament, where Hunter worked for nine years, said the victim was a good friend and that he’s not surprised he fought back against his assailants.
Local police said both Hunter and his friend were in Louisville to watch the 141st Kentucky Derby horse race Saturday afternoon.
Hunter was walking back to his Louisville hotel room after 11 p.m. Saturday night with a friend when three people attempted to rob them, Louisville Metro Police Lt. Todd Kessinger told reporters Monday.
Police said multiple shots were fired when Hunter fought back against the three attempting to rob him, police said. The friend, who has since returned to Canada, was not seriously injured.
The suspects fled the scene in a getaway car.
Raised in Hamilton, Hunter lived much of his adult life in Toronto. Hunter's body was transported back to Canada Monday.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with his murder.
Kessinger said that the suspects in custody are also wanted in connection with five or six other robberies alleged to have occurred before Hunter was killed.
During the arrest, police said they seized Xanax pills, heroin, marijuana and thousands in cash.
The suspects face a slew of charges including murder and armed robbery.
Police identified the people in custody as brother and sister, 18-year-old Fahed Abu-Diab and 20-year-old Fatima Abu-Diab. The third suspect is 19-year-old Tyrone Thomas. Police said Thomas and Fatima were in a romantic relationship.
