Durham Regional Police are set to deliver a significant update on the three-year-old homicide case of Michael Nigris, a 30-year-old Oshawa man who was fatally shot outside his workplace. The police force will brief the media at their headquarters in Whitby on Wednesday, with Det.-Sgt. Erik Mamers of the homicide unit leading the presentation.
Details of the 2023 Shooting
On March 30, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Michael Nigris was shot and killed in a parking lot outside the Cash Connections Oshawa store where he was employed. The incident occurred near King Street West and Park Road in Oshawa. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency responders, Nigris succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Investigators reported that the suspect fled in a vehicle, which was later recovered and identified as a stolen Black Ford F-150 Raptor. The truck had been taken from Brampton and was abandoned in Toronto shortly after the shooting.
Suspect Descriptions and Family Reward
Police have released descriptions of two suspects involved in the case. The primary suspect is described as a male with a small build, last seen wearing a dark surgical mask, a dark hooded sweatshirt featuring a Puma emblem, black Puma-brand jogging pants, and black Air Force One running shoes.
In a later development, authorities identified a second suspect as a male with short dreadlocks and glasses, dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt with "Champion" written in white on the front, along with black pants and running shoes.
The family of Michael Nigris has been actively seeking justice, offering a $15,000 reward in January 2024 for information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers. His sister, Katherine Kollaard, expressed her grief, stating, "My brother was an incredible man; a proud Canadian and an even prouder uncle."
Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance
Representatives from Durham Regional Crime Stoppers will be present at the upcoming news conference, highlighting the ongoing efforts to gather tips from the public. Anonymous information can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through their online portal at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward from Crime Stoppers.
This case remains a high priority for Durham police, as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nigris's death and pursue leads in the hope of bringing closure to his family and the community.
