A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Hay, 27, black with a muscular build and about 6 feet tall; police say Hay is armed and dangerous. A man fitting his description walked into the Moka at about 8:18 that morning and opened fire, killing Maria Voci, 47, and Christopher Desimone, 24.
Two men in the Cafe were also wounded, treated in hospital and released. Police say their identifies are being withheld for their own safety. One of the dead, Voci, worked at the Cafe.
“York Regional Police would like to remind the public that this wanted man is considered armed and dangerous,” a press release says. “Citizens are reminded not to approach him and to call 9-1-1 immediately to report any sightings of the suspect.
“Anyone who aids or assists this suspect in escaping or evading police may be subject to a criminal charge of Accessory After the Fact.”
Moka gambling operation
A stolen 2011 black Nissan Versa Hay is alleged to have used to transport himself to the scene of the shooting has been recovered. The motive for the crime may involve gambling as in July police revealed there was an illegal gambling operation set up in back of the Cafe.
It included slot machines and card tables.
“It’s too early to say whether that was a motive for the shooting,” Police Constable Andy Pattenden said in July. “But it’s information that we want to release at this point in time because it may mean that there were other people here in and around the time of the shooting or beforehand that may have known more about what took place at the Moka Café.”
Police urged Hay to seek legal counsel and turn himself in.
