The parents of Mila Barberi experienced a bittersweet moment earlier this month as they marked what would have been their daughter's birthday—just as police announced the arrest of the man wanted for her murder after nine years as a fugitive.
"She just spent her eighth heavenly birthday. She passed away nine years ago," said Mila's father, Alessio Barberi. "It's just resurfacing. Everything is coming back again."
Hamilton police confirmed that Daniel Tomassetti was taken into custody in Mexico in August, with extradition proceedings now underway to bring him back to Canada to face charges.
"I never thought I'd see the day. I didn't think this was going to happen," said Mila's mother, Elvira Barberi.
Innocent Victim Caught in Mob Violence
Barberi, who worked as a veterinary technician, was killed on March 14, 2017, outside an SUV in Vaughan while waiting to pick up her boyfriend, Saverio Serrano. Serrano, the son of a convicted trafficker, was the intended target of what police describe as a mob-related hit.
The 28-year-old woman became an innocent victim caught in organized crime violence that also claimed the life of Ontario mob boss Angelo Musitano.
Tomassetti faces serious charges including two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and three counts of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the coordinated attacks.
Media Coverage Aids Arrest
Police credit the BOLO Program and Global TV's Crime Beat series with playing a role in Tomassetti's eventual capture after nearly a decade on the run.
In a 2023 interview with Global TV, Alessio Barberi made a direct appeal to the fugitive.
"Daniel, if you ever watch this, come home. I don't think you have a good life. You must be having a very sore neck watching over your back all the time. You know what you did."
Final Suspect in Custody
Tomassetti represents the last of three suspects connected to the killings. Michael Cudmore, believed to be the gunman, fled to Mexico following the shootings and was found dead there in June 2020. A third suspect, Jabril Abdalla, pleaded guilty and received a conviction for participating in a criminal organisation.
For the Barberi family, the arrest brings a mixture of hope and renewed grief as they prepare for what could be a lengthy legal process.
"I'm putting it in the back of my mind. I don't want to think about it until I hear more definite news and then we'll plan ahead," said Alessio Barberi. "And I'll be there like I did with Jabril. I missed only one court date with Jabril. I'm not going to miss a day with Daniel. And I want him to know that I'll be there looking at him every day for as long as it takes."
The family now awaits updates on Tomassetti's extradition proceedings. The case has been adjourned until April.
This story is based on reporting by Global News.
