Toronto Police Turn To YouTube

Silvana Aceto (CFRB News) Police are hoping YouTube will help catch Omar Wellington's killer. The 17-year-old was beaten, stabbed to death and then left to die in Flemingdon Park last July while many in the neighbourhood watched.

A video plea for tips has been posted on the popular website along with a composite sketch of a suspect and the weapon.

When YouTube surfers click on Omar Wellington's photo the song "Bloodshed in our Streets" by a Toronto police officer plays.

Jesse David, a cop at 14 Division, was one of the 5 finalist in the song writing contest on our sister station Mix 99.9 and said he never thought the tune would be used to help solve crimes.

"It was written obviously from my experiences as a police office speaking of some of the violence in our backyard," David added.

"It's interesting to think that the song I wrote could influence someone to come forward with information."

Homicide Detective Scott Spratt said posting the video plea on YouTube will hit a younger tech savvy audience.

"I think the people in the 12 to 16 age group in that neighbourhood can help us in this case," Spratt added.

Police believe the suspect has roots in Flemingdon Park and posting the composite sketch online may crack the case wide open.

"We can't solve these cases on our own we need help from the public, " Spratt said.

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