Police release identities of suspect and victim in downtown Windsor homicide

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Windsor police have named the suspect and victim in a downtown homicide that took place Monday morning outside the city’s Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4), where both individuals had previously accessed services.

Police said the male suspect, known by the street alias “Ty” and believed to be new to the Windsor area, remains the focus of an active search.

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The male victim who was fatally shot after a verbal altercation outside H4, located at 400 Wyandotte St. East, was identified as 53-year-old Sean Shuart.

Major Crimes Staff Sgt. Ted Novak shared both identities during a briefing on the investigation Wednesday afternoon at Windsor Police Headquarters — one day after police released images of the suspect to the public.

Novak said the suspect’s full identity has not yet been confirmed, so the street alias holds little credibility.

The suspect was last seen heading east from the 400 block of Glengarry Avenue on the morning of the incident.

“The firearm has not been recovered, so we’re stressing to the public that this male is armed and dangerous,” Novak told reporters Wednesday.

“We’re still working on recovering video at this point and looking for the public’s assistance.”

Novak said the suspect had accessed H4 services days before the incident, and again just hours before the shooting.

He did not confirm whether the suspect and victim knew each other.

“We don’t have a motive at this time,” said Novak, adding later that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident.

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Police said witnesses reported hearing three gunshots before rushing toward the victim, who was struck by a single bullet around 7:16 a.m. Monday outside H4, formerly the Windsor Water World facility.

Officers who responded to reports of an unresponsive man outside H4 discovered Shuart suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police said emergency responders performed first aid on the victim and transported him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

During Wednesday’s news conference, Novak said working with members of the city’s homeless population makes the investigation particularly challenging.

“It’s very difficult,” he said.

“That’s why there are investigators talking to people and creating bonds with the public, just for that purpose, so that trust is built. Because we know how important that is to all communities, especially the vulnerable populations, to get access and get the co-operation from them, as well.”

Asked whether there is currently a threat to public safety, Novak said “you should always be concerned if someone has a firearm that’s outstanding.

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“It appears to be an isolated incident at this time, so there’s no indication that it’s going to continue. But again, there’s a gun on the loose, and we’re always concerned for the public. That’s why we’re stressing to the public, don’t go near him when you see him. Call 911 immediately.”

At the time of the incident, the suspect had his hair pulled back in braids and was wearing a black North Face brand jacket and black pants with a reflective strip along the thigh.

However, Novak said the suspect was “captured on video changing his appearance multiple times.”

He was later seen with his braids removed, wearing a blue hooded sweater, black pants without a reflective stripe, and red shoes.

Police are requesting any video surveillance footage from the area of Grant Avenue or Assumption Street, east of the 400 block of Glengarry Avenue, captured around 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. They can also submit tips anonymously to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at catchcrooks.com.

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call Victim Services Windsor Essex County at 519-723-2711 or the Victim Assistance Unit at Windsor Police at 519-255-6700, ext. 4879.

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