Ajax homicide victim found with ‘traumatic injuries’ after call for break-in: police

The victim has been identified by friends as Sanjula Perera. He was living at the home with his parents. Steve Ryan reports.

Durham police say the victim of an overnight homicide at an Ajax home was found suffering from “traumatic injuries” following a call for a break-in at the residence.

According to police, officers were called to Shorten Place, near Taunton and Westney roads, at around 12:40 a.m. for what they have described as a call for a break-in.

Police said they arrived to find a man suffering from significant injuries inside the home.

“Based on the totality of the injuries, unfortunately we weren’t able to continue those life-saving measures and he succumbed to his injuries,” Const. Nicholas Gluckstein told reporters at the scene.

Police have not yet identified the victim but sources have told CP24 that the victim’s name is Sanjula Perera.

Police have not released any information about the weapon that was used to inflict the severe injuries.

Police said two suspects fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of officers.

Investigators are calling the incident a “targeted” attack.

“We don’t know there was a break-in but it was the type of call that was received by police,” Gluckstein said. “It was targeted specific to the deceased individual.”

Police have said they do not believe there is any threat to public safety.

“Officers with the Public Order Unit will be out canvassing the area,” police said in an email to CP24 on Tuesday morning.

“At this time, investigators believe this incident was targeted, and there are currently no concerns for public safety.”

No suspect descriptions have been publicly released.

Investigators could not confirm if a call was placed to 911 from inside the home, but did confirm they received at least one outside call.

“We are now asking that anyone that was in the area between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. that may have cell phone, dash cam, or surveillance footage come forward and speak with our investigators,” Gluckstein said.

He added that there will be a heavy police presence in the area for the remainder of the day, and potentially into the week, as investigators search a large area outside the home.