Gunman still on loose a year after fatal shooting

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Laughter was a huge part of Michael George’s life.

Now this laughter will live on in the playground dedicated to the man whose life was cut short by a gunman.

“I want all the sad looks taken off of everybody’s face,” George’s mother, Scherry, said Monday moments before the playground opened. “This is a day of celebration. We’ve got a playground for children. This is a time to be happy.”

The playground was built Thursday at the Wilcox Creek townhouse complex, where George was murdered July 29, 2007.

“Michael was a jokester,” his mother said. “Michael liked nothing more but to laugh.”

Police are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

George was shot several times at close range at 3:30 a.m. as he pulled into the driveway of his girlfriend’s townhouse on Wilcox Creek Pathway in the Morningside and Old Finch avenues area.

“Before he could get out of his car, he was ambushed,” Det. Sgt. Dan Nielsen said. “I don’t believe he had any idea what was coming.”

The 25-year-old rapper was found slumped over in the driver’s seat of his grey Chevrolet Malibu and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Earlier in the morning, George was at a party at an apartment building near Markham Road and Sheppard Avenue. He left shortly before 3 a.m. and drove to a friend’s home. He then headed to his girlfriend’s home.

“There were no problems at that party,” said Nielsen, of the homicide squad. “He made no stops along the way nor did he call anybody.”

Witnesses told police they saw a small silver or grey car leave the townhouse complex just after the gunfire.

“I don’t know the motive. Michael was not involved in any criminal activity. He didn’t associate with criminals,” said Nielsen. “But I believe there are people out there who know who did this and can help me solve this case and bring some justice for Michael’s family.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7398 or 416-808-7408.