COPS PROBE DRUG DEATH-MURDER LINK

Micheal Linton's role in a murder during a botched drug rip-off five
years ago may have played a part in his own death, homicide
detectives said yesterday.

"I'm looking at that as a possible motive," said Det.-Sgt. Ken Taylor
from the Toronto Police homicide squad. "We're looking for his
associates both in and out of prison."

Linton died Thursday night with his family at his bedside after
spending a week on life support in Sunnybrook hospital.

The 23-year-old was shot in a well-lit parking lot at 2:30 a.m.,
Friday, Oct. 27, in front of several witnesses and friends.

Taylor said the young man was recently released from jail after
serving time on a manslaughter charge he pleaded guilty to in 2003
along with a co-accused.

The men were both 18 the night they met Sandro Paulo Almeida, 28, at
25 Martha Eaton Way near Jane St. and Black Creek Dr. to arrange a
drug deal in September, 2001.

The meeting quickly turned deadly when one of the men tried to rip
off the drug dealer.

Almeida died, and the teens went to jail for manslaughter.

Before Linton died, he was last seen arguing with two men in a
parking lot at Adelaide St., near Duncan St.

One of the men pulled out a gun and opened fire, hitting Linton several times.

Taylor said several of Linton's friends were stopped in a car near
the scene and provided a little information, but it will be the
public who helps solve the case.

"I understand people are nervous about coming forward, but we're
going to need their help," he said, adding they are looking at
security videotapes from the area that night for clues.

Linton left behind his parents, sister and a girlfriend.