Suspects in fatal Ontario pawn shop shooting remain at large nine months later

Two unidentified suspects of a fatal daylight shooting at an Oshawa pawn shop are still at large nine months later.

Michael Nigris, 30, was leaving his family-owned pawn shop, Cash Connections, shortly before 8:30 p.m. on March 30. The shop at 245 King St. is in a large busy plaza with several other stores and Teddy’s, one of Oshawa’s most famous restaurants.

As Nigris was leaving he was shot in the head. First responders worked to keep Nigris alive, but he succumbed to his injuries in the parking lot. The shooter hopped into a stolen car and fled the scene. The car was found later, but the shooter was not.

Nigris’ was the seventh murder in Durham Region in 2023. Investigators do not believe it was a targeted attack.

The shooter hopped into a stolena stolen black Ford F150 Raptor and fled the scene. The Raptor had been sitting in the parking lot for about 90 minutes.  The car was found later on Dundee Ave, about 2.5 kilometres from the shop. The area is a suburban neighbourhood near a large park. Police sent their Air1 helicopter and a K-9 unit to the scene, but could not find the suspect. A second man has also been linked to the Raptor.

Both men have been connected to the Lawrence Ave. and Keele St. area of Toronto in North York. Police described the first suspect as Black, wearing a black surgical mask, a dark hooded sweatshirt with a Puma emblem on the front, black Puma brand jogging pants, and black Air Force One running shoes. This fiurst suspect is beleieved to be the shooter.

The second is described as Black, with short dreadlock style hair.  He was wearing glasses, a black hooded sweatshirt with ‘Champion’ written in white on the front, black pants, and black running shoes.

In the aftermath of the shooting Cash Connections wrote, “Michael was an amazing human being. He was a brother, a son, and an extremely proud uncle. Everyone’s days were made brighter by his positivity and his antics. Anyone who knew Michael knew he was a joker and loved to make people laugh. ”

Cash Connections was closed for more than two weeks. Ultimately the Nigris family sold the shop “To focus on family and moving forward.” However, Cash Connections is still in business under new management.

Police released thier first update on the case nine months after the shooting on Jan. 10. Det. Sgt. Brad Corner said in a press conferece, “He was a hard-working, well-loved man. The investigation has not found anything did not find anything in Michael’s personal or professional life that would lead us to believe he would be targeted for this murder.”

Nigris’ sister also addressed the press confernce to talk about her brother’s “incredible life and his tragic death.” She notes this is the third time she’s done this and “it will never get easier.”

“Our world stopped nine months ago,” she continued, “and we have been paralyzed with grief and overcome with anger ever since. This has broken our family and shattered our faith in humanity.”

Police have set up a dedicated tip line for information at 905-721-4299. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).