Police, family call for more tips in unsolved Skinner murder

Christopher Skinner's family speaks at a Toronto police press conference, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012.

Police and the family of a Toronto man murdered three years ago appealed for help in the still-unsolved investigation Thursday, on the anniversary of his death.

Christopher Skinner, 27, was killed on Oct. 18, 2009, after he was beaten by a group of men and then run over by their SUV at Adelaide and Victoria Streets in downtown Toronto. Police have made no arrests.

Urging anyone with information to clear their conscience by coming forward, Det.-Sgt. Stacy Gallant told a news conference that while a lot of people have called or sent in tips, more help was needed to solve the murder.

“The people responsible are still out there, living amongst family and friends, holding this inside," he said. "It's a heavy burden to wear for any one of these individuals who were in this vehicle. It's also a heavy burden for any one of the individuals out there who knows the people who were responsible for this and know in fact that they did it."

To prompt new leads, investigators – standing alongside members of Skinner's family – went over the events surrounding his murder once more. Police also re-announced two separate rewards, totaling $150,000, for any evidence leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of anyone involved in his death.

Christopher's sister, Taryn Skinner, described how the family has set up a Twitter account, Facebook page and YouTube channel – all with the goal of sharing information and providing a portal for potential tips.

"We're still looking,” she said. “We won't stop looking. And our detectives are helping us every step of the way, and they will not stop looking."

Warren Skinner – Christopher’s father and a criminal lawyer – called on anyone in the SUV that struck his son to come forward, saying the most serious charges would be reserved for the driver.

"People inside the vehicle who weren't driving probably don't have a lot to worry about in terms of criminal responsibility,” he said. “They would have to have participated in driving the vehicle or encouraging the driver to do what he did."

On the night of his death, Skinner was walking home from his sister's birthday party. Footage from surveillance cameras in the area captured images of a dark SUV driving east on Adelaide Street out of Toronto’s club district. Police also have footage of Skinner trying to hail a taxi.

Police suspect Skinner may have touched the SUV inadvertently while trying to get in the taxi, sparking a confrontation with the people inside.

He said the driver "without hesitation” drove directly over Chris.

Taryn said her birthday each year is now a painful reminder of her brother's death.

"Even though it's been three years since this all happened, and we move on and go to work and celebrate birthdays, it's still like it happened yesterday."