Vaughan condo gunman was 'abusive husband and father': Daughters
We are grieving for the families, and they are in our hearts," the daughters wrote
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The family of the gunman involved in the Vaughan condo massacre of five people say Francesco Villi was controlling, abusive and aggressive, with a “Jekyll and Hyde-type personality.”
Villi’s three estranged daughters released the statement through the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which is probing the circumstances involving his shooting death at the hands of a York Regional Police officer Sunday night.
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Vaughan condo gunman was 'abusive husband and father': Daughters Back to video
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“Words cannot begin to express how deeply heartbroken we are for the families affected by this horrific tragedy,” the daughters said in the statement.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences. We are in absolute shock and utter devastation at the events that have transpired.”
Armed with a semi-automatic handgun, Villi, 73, hunted the members of the condominium board at his Jane St. highrise on Sunday around 7:20 p.m.
Before he was fatally shot by police, five people were killed and one person was wounded.
York police identified them Tuesday as Rita Camilleri, 57, her husband Vittorio Panza, 79, Russell Manock, 75, and wife Helen Manock, 71, and Naveed Dada, 59.
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“Francesco Villi was a controlling and abusive husband and father. He has a history of domestic abuse with both the mothers of his children and his daughters,” his family said.
“He had aggressive behaviour and a Jekyll and Hyde-type personality. His children tried to have some form of a relationship through the years and many offers of help were continuously denied, leaving them no choice but to cut off ties with him for their own health and wellbeing.”
Three of the victims — Camilleri, Russell Manock, and Dada — were members of the condo board at the building near Rutherford Rd.
Survivor Doreen Di Nino, 66, remains in hospital recovering. Her husband, John Di Nino, who is also on the condo board, was home when she was shot.
Outside the hospital Tuesday, he said doctors expect her to recover — although her injuries are serious.
Villi had been embroiled in legal conflict with the board for years over what he regarded as problems inside his first-floor unit right above an electrical room.
In August, he lost a ruling and was ordered to pay some of the condo board’s legal costs.
His daughters say they were estranged from him for more than five years.
On Wednesday, the community in Vaughan is expected to gather in the courtyard of City Gall at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for a candle-light vigil for the victims.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca is expected to speak at 7:45 p.m.
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The Villi family statement went on to convey their regret over the tragic loss.
“We are grieving for the families, and they are in our hearts,” the daughters wrote.
“This is the only statement our family will make. And we ask for privacy.”
Twitter: @_ScottLaurie
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