There is some speculation that the gunmen may have targeted the couple's home for possible drugs, though police investigators say they have no evidence that the family was involved in illegal drugs: Drugs involved in deadly home invasion?
Monday night's invasion left 53-year-old Bich-Ha Pan dead and her 57-year-old husband in hospital in serious condition.
The couple — who immigrated to Canada from Vietnam — has a 24-year-old daughter who was tied up by the intruders but unharmed. Their youngest child, a son, is reportedly studying in Hamilton and was not at home during the attack.
Police say three men entered the home, likely through the front door, and stayed for about half an hour, demanding cash. The daughter was taken upstairs after being tied up but her parents remained on the main level, where they were shot multiple times, police say.
The Pans' daughter managed to free herself and call 911, bringing police to the scene within three minutes, according to La Barge. Her father also made his way to a next-door neighbour's house, where he sought help.
Police described two of the suspects as black and ranging in age from 28 to 33. One had a medium build, long dreadlocks and dark clothing. The other was 5-foot-7, with his face covered by a bandanna and wearing a hooded sweatshirt. A third man was only described as a thin man speaking with "a Caribbean accent."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-287-5025, ext. 7865 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).