Pubdate: Sat, 04 Nov 2006
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Kim Bradley, Toronto Sun

COPS PROBE DRUG DEATH-MURDER LINK

Micheal Linton's role in a murder during a botched drug rip-off five 
years ago may have played a part in his own death, homicide 
detectives said yesterday.

"I'm looking at that as a possible motive," said Det.-Sgt. Ken Taylor 
from the Toronto Police homicide squad. "We're looking for his 
associates both in and out of prison."

Linton died Thursday night with his family at his bedside after 
spending a week on life support in Sunnybrook hospital.

The 23-year-old was shot in a well-lit parking lot at 2:30 a.m., 
Friday, Oct. 27, in front of several witnesses and friends.

Taylor said the young man was recently released from jail after 
serving time on a manslaughter charge he pleaded guilty to in 2003 
along with a co-accused.

The men were both 18 the night they met Sandro Paulo Almeida, 28, at 
25 Martha Eaton Way near Jane St. and Black Creek Dr. to arrange a 
drug deal in September, 2001.

The meeting quickly turned deadly when one of the men tried to rip 
off the drug dealer.

Almeida died, and the teens went to jail for manslaughter.

Before Linton died, he was last seen arguing with two men in a 
parking lot at Adelaide St., near Duncan St.

One of the men pulled out a gun and opened fire, hitting Linton several times.

Taylor said several of Linton's friends were stopped in a car near 
the scene and provided a little information, but it will be the 
public who helps solve the case.

"I understand people are nervous about coming forward, but we're 
going to need their help," he said, adding they are looking at 
security videotapes from the area that night for clues.

Linton left behind his parents, sister and a girlfriend.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine