Article content continued

Police have not yet named the victim, but sources say he lived on Crawford Street in a residence registered to a John and Michelle Raposo.

A Loners Motorcycle Club spokesman denied that Mr. Raposo had been a member of the biker gang, contrary to information from a police source.

“Mr Raposo might have been a friend of a former member but he isn’t and never was a member himself,” the spokesman said, not wishing to provide his full name.

“As we sit here learning about the violent act of insanity of murder yesterday, the Loners MC would like the family of the victim to know we are very sorry for their loss.

“The Loners MC are not involved in any such behaviors or acts.”

A neighbour on Crawford Street said police visited the Raposo residence on Monday.

“Yesterday we saw the police with his sister,” the neighbour said Tuesday. “There were a very nice family. Johnny’s mother would pass all the time with the children and I would see him at the Sicilian cafe on the corner all the time.”

The neighbour, who has lived in the area four decades, said the street is typically quiet.

“I am very scared now, so many police; my grandchild goes to school near here. He was so scared.”

The Sicilian has been a popular gathering place for many in Little Italy for years, including known Mafia members and associates. The cafe has been noted by investigators as one of many locations chosen for meetings between mob figures who like good food while they whisper over business, organized crime investigators said.