'Vague' description released in double murder

Toronto police have released a "vague" description of a man seen fleeing the area where two young men were murdered.

Dylan Ellis and Oliver Martin, both 25-year-old downtown residents, were shot while sitting in a Range Rover SUV near Richmond and Niagara Streets shortly after midnight Friday.

The victims were pronounced dead at hospital. An autopsy showed they died from gunshot wounds to the chest.

Homicide investigators updated the media on Saturday with a suspect description, based on witness reports from residents who saw a man leaving the crime scene.

The man is described as black, with a light complexion, and he was wearing a light-coloured top and dark pants. He fled south, but some said he was on foot, while others said he was on a mountain bike.

"I agree it is a vague description, but the fact is somebody in this community might have somebody in mind with regards of who might be capable," Det. Sgt. Gary Giroux told reporters.

"If there is someone in the area that has some familiarity with somebody with a violent background, I would hope they would call."

Investigators believe the gunman was familiar with the area, Giroux said.

The victims had been at a friend's house watching an NBA playoff game before they were attacked, after they had gotten into their vehicle.

A third passenger, Martin's girlfriend, was sitting in the back of vehicle at the time of the shooting, and escaped unharmed.

Police said Ellis and Martin, who came from the affluent Rosedale neighbourhood, were never in trouble with the law. Investigators don't yet have a motive, but are certain it wasn't an attempted carjacking.

"I don't believe it's a random act," Giroux said. "The people were the intended targets."

Officers are looking at surveillance camera footage from the scene.

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil at the crime scene is growing.

"They were absolutely wonderful," said friend Whitney Geller. "Fun-loving and best friends."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Matet Nebres