Cops are being tight-lipped on a possible motive for the shocking double murder of two men in a Keswick park earlier this week.
One of the victims had been a member of a reputed Hells Angels affiliate club, The Toronto Sun has learned, but cops aren’t saying whether that association played any role in the slayings.
On Wednesday morning around 7:30 a.m., nearby residents heard gunshots from Bayview Park in Keswick. The victims were identified as Reilly MacDonald, 21, of Keswick, and 39-year-old Mark Sutcliffe, of Stouffville.
Two Barrie men — John McKay, 19 and Ethan Pashak-McNeil, 21 — have now been charged with first-degree murder. The pair were arrested and charged by nightfall.
Detectives believe the two parties knew each other but it wasn’t revealed what the quartet were doing in the park at that early hour. They have not said whether the killings were an ambush or targeted.
Shocked friends poured their hearts out on social media for Sutcliffe who was described by friends on Facebook as “one of a kind,” “big-hearted” and a “great guy.”
He was — or had been — a member of the Redline Motorcycle Club, reputedly an Angels’ affiliate.
One friend wrote on Facebook: “I’m in complete shock and at a loss for words right now you were one of a kind. You stood by my side at my wedding and lifted me up when I was down. Ride free and fast.”
Another added: “Marky Mark you were the sweetest, had a heart of gold. You were a big teddy bear with so much to offer. You made everyone laugh and always, always had the backs of your friends.”
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It isn’t clear whether Sutcliffe was married. It’s believed he had at least one child.
Social media posts mourning Reilly MacDonald were taken down Friday morning. However, a GoFundMe page has been established to help offset the cost of his funeral.
“Reilly was my brother-in-law, after this tragic loss the family is asking for donations to cover the funeral and other expenses that go along with laying Reilly to rest,” the appeal said.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time or lives in the neighbourhood to check their security cameras and dash-cam footage and come forward with any information.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or email at [email protected], or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at 1800222tips.com.