Hamilton police, family plead for information in Marko Bakir homicide

More than three years have passed since Marko Bakir was shot to death in the driveway of his Hamilton Mountain home, and police and his family want answers.

We know there are people out there that have more information," said Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk of the homicide unit.

Detective have recently uncovered new information in the Nov. 22, 2018 slaying and are publicly appealing for people to come forward. Bereziuk wouldn't detail any new evidence, but noted there are new people who have been identified. Police will soon be approaching these people who have never been interviewed before, he said, adding that detectives would like anyone with information to reach out on their own.

Bereziuk called the investigation a slow burn," but said detectives have been working away on the case over the years. Recently, a new lead detective with fresh eyes" took over.

The 31-year-old, known as Mark, was found lying on his driveway by a neighbour that night. Police later confirmed Bakir was shot around 8:15 p.m., outside his home on Clifton Downs Road, a quiet residential street just north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway, between Garth Street and Upper Paradise Road.

His family is looking for answers about their loving, caring and altruistic son, brother, friend and uncle." In a statement released by police, they are pleading for anyone with information to come forward.

The family described Bakir as spontaneous" and said he lived his life to the fullest." This included going on vacations, spending time with family and spoiling his two dogs, Rex and Diamond.

If you had to describe Marko in one word, it would simply be lovable," the family said.

The years since his death have been difficult.

There's not a day that goes by where he doesn't cross our minds. Holidays, family gatherings and life itself is less sweet without Marko." The family prays he is at peace, smiling down at us in heaven."

Police have identified a motive, but are not releasing what it is, Bereziuk said. It was not drugs, weapons, robbery or traditional organized crime.

At the time of the murder, Hamilton had seen a number of Mob hits where people were gunned down in driveways, but Bereziuk said police are certain, despite the similarities, that Bakir's murder is not Mob-related. Bakir was not being followed or tracked before the murder, but he was targeted. Police believe more than one person was involved, including at least one person who knew the 31-year-old.

Bakir had recently purchased the home and shared pictures of his new house and cars, including a Lamborghini, on social media - purchases made possible because of a settlement from a serious car crash.

On the night of his murder, he posted a picture of his Land Rover and two dogs out front of the house on Instagram before being shot. His dogs were inside at the time of the shooting; it's not clear why Bakir came outside.

Bereziuk said there is no evidence those involved used social media to track Bakir's movements. However, he would not comment on whether Bakir's settlement money and flashy purchases were tied to the murder motive.

We have a very strong understanding of what happened," he said.

This includes video from the area, although not video of the murder itself.

It's a very complex investigation," he said. It certainly was something that was planned."

Often fear keeps witnesses from speaking with police after a murder. Bereziuk said that with time and distance, he hopes people will now be willing to talk. He also added that police can take steps to help keep people safe.

Help us bring closure to Marko's family," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Robert Di Ianni of the homicide unit at 905-546-3836. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com