Toronto – The family of 29-year-old Danforth shooting suspect Faisal Hussain says they are at a loss for words about the actions of their son who they say had struggled with mental health challenges.
He was killed along with two others. But the cause of his death is still unknown. It’s not clear if he took his own life or whether he was hit by a police bullet.
Reese Fallon, 18, of Toronto, succumbed to her injuries and died.
The identity of the 10-year-old girl has now been released. She has been identified as Julianna Kozis, 10, of Markham.
The statement from the shooter’s family said they were speaking out to offer their condolences.
“We are at a terrible loss for words but we must speak out to express our deepest condolences to the families who are now suffering on account of our son’s horrific actions,” Hussain’s family said.
“Our son had severe mental health challenges, struggling with psychosis and depression his entire life. The interventions of professionals were unsuccessful. Medications and therapy were unable to treat him. While we did our best to seek help for him throughout his life of struggle and pain, we could never imagine that this would be his devastating and destructive end.”
“Our hearts are in pieces for the victims and for our city as we all come to grips with this terrible tragedy. We will mourn those who were lost for the rest of our lives,” the statement said.
The shooting spree with a handgun began at around 10 p.m. outside a restaurant.
Post-mortem examinations will take place on Wednesday on the suspect and the two victims.
Thirteen other victims, ranging in age from 17 to 59 years old, are being treated in hospital. Their injuries range from minor to serious, police said.
The person responsible has also died. His identity has been released by the Special Investigations Unit.
“Investigators are executing a search warrant at an apartment in the Thorncliffe Park Drive area as part of the ongoing police investigation, police added.
Officers have completed a forensics search of the area and the roads have re-opened. A small area around a local restaurant will still have a police presence but there will be no traffic restrictions.
