Police offer $50K reward for information in Barresi murder

Hamilton police are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction in the murder of Giorgio Barresi.

The father of three and local realtor was shot and killed in the driveway of his home at 7 Portofino Pl., in a quiet, upscale neighbourhood near Winona Road, on the night of March 2, 2020.

The suspects arrived in a light-coloured, four-door sedan and parked at the end of Lido Drive, waiting for Barresi to return home, before a lone gunman approached the 42-year-old and shot him multiple times.

Police have said the killer wore a distinctive coat" - long, like a two-toned trench coat, with an undetermined logo on the upper left breast of the jacket and a high-peaked hood - while at least one other suspect waited in the sedan.

The suspects quickly fled south on Lido and to a nearby highway before police arrived.

Police allege the murder of Barresi was planned and believe the suspects were aware of his habits and routines prior to the shooting.

Investigators believe that the actions of these suspects indicate that there are people within our community who know what happened to Giorgio that night and the events that led up to his murder," police said in press release Wednesday.

Barresi's widow, Sonia Horta-Barresi, said in April 2020 that the murder has left her family forever broken."

I am pleading from one parent to another, one spouse to another, one human being to another, to please help us," she said at the time in an emotional video posted by Hamilton police.

Police hope the $50,000 incentive will motivate people with information to come forward and solve the murder, especially for his children," they said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Michael Ebert of the major crime unit at 905-546-4167.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Sebastian Bron is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbron@thespec.com