 Christopher Skinner was killed during a hit-and-run at a downtown Toronto intersection Oct. 18, 2009. (Handout)
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TORONTO -- Family and friends of Christopher Skinner, who was brutally beaten and run down in the downtown core last fall, have increased the reward offer to $100,000 in an effort to entice someone to turn in those responsible for the 27-year-old’s murder.
“We’re hoping the additional $25,000 will convince somebody to do the right thing,” Warren Skinner, the victim’s father, said yesterday.
“In particular, we’re appealing to the people who were in the vehicle (with the killer or killers) when my son was killed,” he added, explaining he’s convinced at least one person’s involvement in the murder must have been minimal.
Skinner, who grew up in Uxbridge, was on his way home from celebrating his sister’s birthday at a nightclub in the Entertainment District on Oct. 18 when he was attacked at Adelaide and Victoria Sts. by up to four men in a black SUV. The group got out of the vehicle, savagely beat Skinner, then drove over him as they fled.
Shortly after the young man’s slaying, Toronto Police offered $50,000 for information leading to an arrest in the stalled case.
Then in December, the Skinner family put up an additional $25,000.
And yesterday, Warren announced another $25,000 in private money, bringing the total reward offer up to $100,000.
“Those who were in that SUV and didn’t take part in my son’s murder, I’m sure they are struggling with this,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Det. Stacy Gallant at 416-808-7410, or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.
chris.doucette@sunmedia.ca
