William Junior Appiah Tribute

BRAMPTON - It’s been two years since William “Junior” Appiah was gunned down in broad daylight on a Jane-Finch area basketball court.

And the 18-year-old’s family can’t help but feel frustrated knowing their loved one’s killers remain on the loose.

“We’re coping,” Prince Appiah, Junior’s big brother, said Wednesday. “But it’s really tough to wake up each day without him.”

He remembers that afternoon like it was yesterday.

Prince was in Scarborough finding out he had a new job in security when his sibling’s pals started calling his cellphone with the dreadful news that Junior had been killed.

He’s convinced there are people in the community who can identify the trio responsible for his brother’s execution.

“But they don’t want to speak up,” Prince said. “Maybe they’re afraid someone will come after them.”

Having grown up in the notoriously tough neighbourhood — where Junior returned every day for school and to visit friends even though his family had moved to Brampton — Prince said he understands people may feel conflicted.

“But you have to do the right thing,” he pleaded. “Imagine how you would feel if your family going through this.”

Police have yet to disclose the motive behind the murder.

But Prince said he has heard that prior to the shooting his brother was with some youths who stole a chain from around another teen’s neck.

“He was always a follower,” Prince said of his kid brother. “He just wanted to fit in.”

Prince said it’s suspected the three killers were looking for retribution when they approached Junior outside 4400 Jane St., a highrise a block north of Finch Ave. W., demanding to know where the thieves were.

One of the three young men opened fire, shooting Junior in the head and chest.

The three callous thugs were captured moments later by surveillance cameras, first casually walking up to the scene then sprinting away in different directions.

“I don’t think this was something that was planned,” Monica said of her son’s murder.

The grief-stricken mom also asked for anyone with information to help Toronto Police catch Junior’s killers.

“If you know who did this to my son, please come forward,” she pleaded.

Monica, Prince and Joseph’s two younger sisters plan to visit his grave Thursday to mark the two-year anniversary of his death.

“I just don’t want his story to be forgotten,” Prince said, smiling proudly as he looked at a shelf at his brother’s soccer trophies.

Anyone with information is urged to call Homicide detectives at 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS.

By CHRIS DOUCETTE, TORONTO SUN
Last Updated: September 15, 2010 9:01pm