Second Conviction in Brazen Little Italy Parking Lot Shooting
A second individual has admitted his involvement in a shocking daytime shootout that erupted in Windsor's Via Italia district more than two years ago, a scene witnesses described as reminiscent of a gangster film. Kyle Small, 27, pleaded guilty to the criminal charge of aggravated assault, just as his trial for attempted murder was scheduled to begin.
Details of the Daytime Attack
The violent incident occurred on August 15, 2023, at approximately 1:21 p.m. in a pharmacy parking lot near the intersection of Erie Street East and Pierre Avenue. According to an agreed statement of facts presented in court, Small, along with John Managhan (then 25) and two other men, walked into the lot. Moments later, a black GMC pickup truck arrived.
The driver of the truck exited the vehicle and stared at the group for about 15 seconds before walking towards them while “gesturing with both hands.” Roughly seven seconds after he got out, Small and Managhan drew concealed Glock 9mm handguns from their sweatshirts and opened fire “in quick succession.” The entire confrontation, captured on security cameras, lasted less than a minute before all four men fled on foot.
Aftermath and Recovery
The 33-year-old victim of the targeted attack survived but sustained severe injuries. He was struck by nine gunshots—five to his chest and abdomen, two to his back, and one each to an arm and a leg. The court heard that the victim spent several months in the hospital and had to undergo multiple surgeries during his recovery.
Windsor police investigators later located and recovered the two handguns used in the shooting, which had been discarded in a garbage bin approximately one block away from the crime scene.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During a brief appearance before Superior Court Justice Bruce Thomas, Kyle Small pleaded “guilty” to three counts: aggravated assault, discharge of a firearm with intent, and possession of a firearm with ammunition. He has been held in custody since his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service in Michigan in November 2023.
With the guilty plea, a sentencing hearing has now been scheduled for January, where Small is expected to receive a lengthy prison term. This conviction follows that of his co-accused, John Managhan, bringing a measure of closure to a case that rattled the Windsor community.
