Durham Police Announce $15,000 Reward in Unsolved Oshawa Murder Case
Durham Regional Police have announced a new $15,000 reward for information leading to the identification of two suspects in the unsolved murder of Michael Nigris, an Oshawa pawn shop worker who was shot dead outside his workplace in March 2023. This reward comes nearly two years after the victim's family offered a separate $15,000 reward for the arrest of those responsible.
Family's Heartbreaking Plea for Justice
At a news conference on Wednesday morning, investigators revealed that there was nothing in Nigris's personal or professional life that would explain why he was targeted. Detective Sergeant Erik Mamers stated, "Michael was simply leaving work when his life was tragically taken from him." The victim's mother, Kerena Randle, issued an emotional plea for the suspects to turn themselves in, saying, "I am living, and my family is living, the worst nightmare. My soul is irreparably broken."
Randle described her son as the youngest in the family, affectionately known as her baby child, and as "the most generous human being you could ever meet." She added, "We do our best to honour Michael's life by seeking joy, but even in the most joyful moments, there's profound sadness without him. To know him was to love him, to lose him was to lose who we are."
Details of the Crime and Suspects
On the night of March 30, 2023, police were called to a parking lot near King Street West and Park Road in Oshawa, where Nigris was found shot. He died of his injuries at the scene. Investigators say the male suspect responsible for the shooting fled in a stolen black Ford F150 Raptor, which was later found on Dundee Avenue in Oshawa. A second male suspect has ties to the stolen truck, and both have been linked to the Lawrence Avenue West and Keele Street area in Toronto.
Police released descriptions of the two suspects:
- The first suspect is described as Black, wearing a black surgical mask, dark hooded sweatshirt with a Puma emblem, black Puma jogging pants, and black Air Force One running shoes.
- The second suspect is described as Black with short dreadlock-style hair, wearing glasses, a black hooded sweatshirt with "Champion" in white, black pants, and black running shoes.
Appeal for Public Assistance
Detective Sergeant Mamers emphasized that any information, no matter how minor, could be crucial in solving the case. "Someone out there knows who is responsible for Michael's murder or has information that could help us identify those responsible," he said. "Michael's family have been waiting nearly three years for answers and for justice." Tipsters can remain anonymous through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers and will not be required to testify if their information leads to an identification.
Randle expressed frustration that people may be protecting the suspects, stating, "You need to come forward. The only morally right thing that you can do before the legal and karmic repercussions come your way. We've been robbed of the opportunity to grieve. We have no closure."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable D'Andrea of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5405 or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
