by Cristina Howorun
Summary
Dozens of the shootings on Toronto’s streets can be linked directly back to social media feuds between competing gangs
Experts say they are doing it for a currency that can’t be spent street cred
Local police forces are routinely monitoring known accounts and social spaces for threats
As part of an original Citytv documentary, VeraCity: The Gun Chase, reporter Cristina Howorun examines the causes behind and source of Toronto’s gun problem and the impact the violence has on victims and their families. Below is the second of five stories in our news series. Bookmark this page to read and watch the other stories.
She was treated in hospital.
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Wanted in connection with that shooting is 32-year-old Rowan Atkins of Toronto, who faces attempted murder and firearms charges.
His involvement in a violent 2005 home invasion in Windsor, Ont. resulted in Atkins’ first stint behind bars at the age of 16, serving a little over 2 1/2 years, after he and his co-conspirators all under the age of 18 were tried as adults for armed robbery, forcible confinement, threats and breaking-and-entering.
After a 2008 weapons charge, Atkins was arrested on New Year’s Eve 2010 in possession of a loaded handgun, sending him to prison for six years.