IN A DESPERATE attempt to solve the murder of 18-year-old Keegan “Speckz” Allen that took place over two years ago, police recently announced a $50,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the gunman.
“Quite frankly, the investigation is at a point now where it is starting to go cold,” Det. Sgt. Frank Skubic said at a recent press conference at Toronto Police headquarters. “It’s hoped that the issuance of a $50,000 reward will bring new life to this investigation.”
Allen was “caught in the line of fire” at a dance competition called Showdown 2007 where an estimated 600 youths were in attendance, some of whom were photographing and recording the event, held at the Hungarian House Cultural Centre on St. Clair Avenue West at Hendrick Avenue.
Around 2 a.m. on Oct. 8, as the competition’s final performances were going on, three shots were fired at the stage. Allen died the next day.
“To those persons present at the cultural centre the night that Keegan was shot and have not yet come forward, I am appealing to you all,” Skubic said, adding he is certain somebody from the crowd knows who is responsible.
Carol Allen, Keegan Allen’s mother, said it has been the hardest two years that anyone can face.
“…I am begging you, please, if you haven’t spoken up already, please call the police,” she said, pleading for the killer to come forward.
“You know what you did is wrong, and you have been living with this for the past two years. If you want to clear your name, you need to come forward; you need to say something to clear your conscience forever,” Carol Allen said, adding that person has shattered their lives.
Skubic said many witnesses have come forward with accounts, photos and videotape, which has been valuable, but has not helped them find the gunman.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.
