The release of security camera images by police was key to an arrest in a recent Chinatown shooting that left two young fathers dead, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders says.

Saunders, speaking at a morning news conference, said witnesses were able to identify to police people from the images released earlier this week. Yesterday, Kyle Sparks-Mackinnon, 25, was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder in the shooting that killed Quinn Taylor, 29, and David Michael Eminess, 26.

"This is a classic case where the public stepped up," said Saunders. "The public gave us that information that was able to translate into evidence and we've been able to arrest somebody."

Taylor and Eminess died after shots were fired during a confrontation outside New Ho King restaurant on Spadina Avenue near Nassau Street at 3:15 a.m. on Jan. 31. Eminess died at the scene; Taylor died later in hospital.

Three other people were wounded and received injuries that are not life-threatening. Two of them were bystanders and not involved in the confrontation, Saunders said.

Investigation is 'not over' Saunders said

Saunders said the although the public's help was crucial to the arrest, he said police still need more information.

"A lot of times people think, 'Someone has been arrested, it's over.' It's not over," he said. "The more information we get from the public the more opportunity for a successful outcome."

Saunders said security camera images are becoming increasingly important in solving crimes. He said today's cameras are producing clearer images, which are key to the investigation.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said the public 'stepped up' and were able to identify people in the security camera images released by police. Two men died in the Jan. 31 shooting in Chinatown. (CBC)

"You're not looking at images of Big Foot anymore," he said. "You're actually getting clean images of people. We've had cases in the past couple of months when as soon as the images go out, people have called their lawyers and turned themselves in.

Still, witnesses statements remain essential.

"Technology alone doesn't do it," said Saunders. "You need to have witnesses."

Eminess and Taylor were shot after a confrontation with someone on the street, police say.

Saunders said police are not sure if the shooting is gang-related. Both victims had young daughters.