Pubdate: Mon, 12 Feb 2007
Source: Scarborough Mirror, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 The Scarborough Mirror
Contact:  http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/scarborough/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2198
Author: Andrew Palamarchuk

MAN'S DEATH LINKED TO MARIJUANA GROW HOUSE WAR, POLICE
ALLEGE

Five People Face First-Degree Murder Charges in Connection to 2005 Incident

Five people have been charged with murder following a two-year 
investigation into the abduction and death of a 30-year-old man.

Police believe Pei Ding Xu was murdered some time after his Jan. 24, 
2005 abduction, but his body has not yet been found.

"The investigation involves two rival Asian gangs in relation to 
marijuana grow houses that were operating at the time, in 2005, in 
the Scarborough area," Det. Sgt. Gary Giroux told reporters at a news 
conference at police headquarters.

"They are most definitely Asian organized crime. They had multiple 
locations that were being used as marijuana grow houses. Some of them 
were active and some of them were inactive at the time."

Police allege Xu and another man, a friend, were forcibly removed 
from their vehicle and driven to a Scarborough home, a former 
marijuana grow house. While confined in the home, the men were 
allegedly beaten repeatedly.

Police believe Xu died some time between Jan. 24 and Jan. 26, 2005. 
The other victim, whose name wasn't released, managed to escape and 
was taken to hospital where he was treated and released.

Police would not disclose how they believe Xu died. A murder weapon 
has not been located.

Giroux, of the homicide squad, said a Jan. 26, 2005 shooting on 
Wintermute Boulevard near Birchmount Road and Steeles Avenue involved 
"these two rival criminal organizational gangs." A man was injured in 
the gunfire resulting from that incident.

The murder investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked 
to call the homicide squad at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 
416-222-TIPS (8477).

A 24-year-old woman, was arrested Thursday and charged with 
first-degree murder, kidnapping and forcible confinement.

On Friday, four men were arrested, and have also been charged with 
first-degree murder, kidnapping and forcible confinement.
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