George Koutroubis, 36, Msg 02/17/09, Toronto, ON, Canada [FOUND DECEASED]

[Girl Hermit]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/02/20/koutroubis-police.html?ref=rss

Last Updated: Friday, February 20, 2009 | 8:38 AM ET Comments0Recommend53CBC News
Police suspect foul play and friends and family are worried after the disappearance of the owner of a Toronto restaurant.

George Koutroubis, 36, who hasn't been seen since Feb. 17, is described by his family as a successful businessman and that his disappearance is very much out of character.

At Six Steps, the restaurant Koutroubis owns near King Street and Church Street, friends and relatives wonder what could have happened.

The last time Koutroubis used his cellphone was to speak with a friend Tuesday afternoon, saying he was on his way to Whitby to meet someone — but none of his friends or family members know who that was.

George Christakis, who was the best man at Koutroubis's wedding less than two months ago, said he "can't understand why anybody would do this to him, or why he would be missing like this. So we're just praying for his safe return that's all we can do right now."

Another friend, Chris Karran, said Koutroubis had no reason to disappear.

"He has always put everybody else ahead of himself and that's why there's so many people doing everything they can to help," he said.

Toronto police Const. Tony Vella said Koutroubis's disappearance has been classified as "suspicious."

"Foul play is suspected. He is well-known to carry his cellphone, to pick up calls as well as return calls. At this point he has not picked up any calls at all and we are definitely concerned for his well-being," said Vella.

Koutroubis was last seen near Front Street West and Blue Jays Way driving a black 2008 BMW.

Police have not yet located the car.

[Girl Hermit]

http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1310309

George Koutroubis was supposed to begin his honeymoon today, setting off with his new wife on a Caribbean cruise.

Instead, family and friends are scouring the city for the popular, affluent restaurateur, while Toronto police suspect foul play in his mysterious disappearance.

"We are very concerned about him. His family is concerned about him," Detective Ron Boyce said yesterday.

"He is a creature of habit. He has not called his family, business partners or friends back. Right now, we suspect that foul play is involved but we're not certain.

"We ask anyone who has seen him or his vehicle ... to contact the local police service. The vehicle is to be considered a crime vehicle."

Homicide detectives are monitoring the case, he said.

Mr. Koutroubis, 36, who co-owns Six Steps Restaurant and Lounge on Colbourne Street, was last seen on Tuesday at 7:30 a. m. driving a black 2008 BMW X5 near his home in the area of Front Street West and Blue Jays Way. He was visiting Whitby on business and was last in touch with a friend by phone at 4:30 p. m.

"He is always on his BlackBerry. There has been no activity and he's been reported missing. That leads us to believe that something has happened," Det. Boyce said.

He had no enemies, no issues with his business partners and no debt, police and loved ones said.

"We cannot ascertain if there were any threats on his life at this time. However, we are investigating all possibilities," Det. Boyce added.

Yesterday morning at Six Steps, Mr. Koutroubis's brother, Bill, fielded calls from concerned friends. Every few minutes, news of his younger sibling's disappearance appeared on CP24, on the flat-screen television by the bar.

"You see it on the news and you never think it's going to happen to you," he said.

The tables had been set with wineglasses for the lunch crowd. Since it opened in 2007, the upscale restaurant has been popular with Bay Streeters and guests from the nearby

Le Royal Meridien King Edward hotel for its modern decor and European fare.

Mr. Koutroubis came into the restaurant almost every day for lunch and dinner. He had recently opened a UPS store on Front Street, and owns several properties.

"He's a very hard-working guy," said Pat Quinn Jr., who co-owns the restaurant. Mr. Quinn's family also owns P. J. O'Brien's a few doors down, and the Irish Embassy on Yonge Street.

Mr. Quinn slouched grimly at the bar yesterday. "Everybody loves George....It just doesn't make sense."

On Wednesday night, Six Steps served as a command post for 60 of Mr. Koutroubis's friends. They then drove to Whitby and visited variety stores, gas stations and Tim Hortons locations with posters bearing Mr. Koutroubis's face.

"George is a type of person that if he could throw himself in front of a New York cab to save a life, he would. He's such a generous, kind-hearted person, that's why I think the sense of urgency to find him is so great," said Rod, a Toronto stockbroker and friend.

"He's helped so many people in so many ways.... He would not do harm to anybody, ever."

Yesterday, his friends continued to hand out flyers. Some searched ravines and railway tracks.

"All kinds of stuff are going through our minds now," said Chris Pappas, a 37-year-old real estate agent in Thornhill who has known Mr. Koutroubis since junior high school.

"He wouldn't just disappear out of the blue.... It's just like somebody picked him up and took him away. I don't know," he said.

On Sunday, Mr. Pappas and his wife had dinner in Yorkville with Mr. Koutroubis and his wife. The couple, who married in December, were excited about their honeymoon.

"Until we find him, I don't think anybody is going to stop," Mr. Pappas said.

Mr. Koutroubis is described as a white male, 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, with brown eyes and short, black, receding hair. He has a scar from a cleft lip. His car has the licence plate number BCSS 209.

[Girl Hermit]

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/591048

Clues to disappearance of Toronto businessman sought in betting link

Feb 21, 2009 04:30 AM
Michele Henry
Crime Reporter



George Koutroubis was the consummate businessman – always on the move from his rental properties to his retail store and on to his trendy downtown restaurant.

But it was other pursuits that may have led to this newlywed's disappearance Tuesday, on the eve of his Caribbean honeymoon.

Koutroubis, 36, was known to "facilitate sports bets," police said yesterday, adding bookie to his roster of otherwise legitimate titles, including manager, owner and business partner.

"That's an avenue we're looking into," Det. Sgt. Rudy Pasini said. "This is not related to his businesses."

An ever-buzzing BlackBerry kept Koutroubis in close touch with his wife Rhoda, whom he married just over a month ago, and a wide network of friends and contacts. But four days ago all communication stopped.

"Like the earth just swallowed him up," his brother Bill Koutroubis said. "The phone just stopped, he wasn't answering any calls."

The last time they spoke was 4 p.m. Tuesday, when Koutroubis said he was en route to Whitby in his new BMW SUV to run errands. At 4:45 p.m. Koutroubis told a friend, who also reached him on his BlackBerry, that he was waiting to meet a client.

When the friend called back half an hour later, the phone kept ringing. Nobody has answered since.

Police were called Wednesday morning.

Did he gamble? Yes, his brother said, but only recreationally.

Earlier this week friends began raising money in case a reward is required. A Facebook site and Twitter feed were also set up.

Koutroubis' immediate family is coping "as much as we can," his father Gus said yesterday.

"My son has only friends. No enemies. No one has reason to kidnap or to kill my son."

[annalyzer]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10169356-71.html

Facebook users offered money to help find missing restaurateur

by Chris Matyszczyk
February 22, 2009 7:48 PM PST

Between now and February 27th, if you post a missing persons poster on your Facebook page, you will be eligible for entry into a $1000 random draw.

The family of missing Canadian restaurateur, George Koutroubis, is so concerned for his safety that it is hoping Facebook users will be able to help. And it is offering the contest as an incentive to spread the word about Mr. Koutroubis.

A news release on behalf of his family said: "The way we have structured this contest is a highly effective way to get his photo out, raise awareness and involve people who may not know George or about our campaign to find him, so we highly encourage everyone to participate."

Mr. Koutroubis left his condo at 7.30 in the morning last Tuesday and was last heard from by a business associate who spoke to him by phone around 4.30 in the afternoon. He is, apparently, a man rarely parted from his BlackBerry and is a newlywed.

[annalyzer]

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Friends-And-Family-Of-George-Koutroubis-951598.html

Feb 18, 2009 16:47 ET

Toronto Police Requesting Public's Assistance to Locate Missing Person, George Koutroubis, 36

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20090218-topd218a300.jpg
George Koutroubis, 36

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 18, 2008) - The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing man.

George Koutroubis, 36, was last seen on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 7:30 a.m., in the Front Street West/Blue Jays Way area. However, recent reports claim he was last heard from via his cell phone while driving a black, 2008 BMW X5 with Ontario licence plate BCSS 209 in the Whitby area at 4:45 p.m., February 17, 2009.

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20090218-topd218b300.jpg
Recent reports claim he was last heard from via his cell phone while driving a black, 2008 BMW X5 with Ontario licence plate BCSS 209

He is described as white, 5'11", 230 lbs., brown eyes and short, black, receding hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at http://www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Police are concerned for his safety.

For more information, please contact
Toronto Police Service
(416) 808-5100
or
Crime Stoppers
(416) 222-TIPS (8477)
Website: http://www.222tips.com

[Girl Hermit]

http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/02/23/8497256.html

Peel police confirmed today that the body of a man found in a high-end SUV in Brampton yesterday is that of missing Toronto restaurateur George Koutroubis.

Koutroubis, 36, was last seen Tuesday leaving his condo near Front St. W. and Blue Jays Way heading for Whitby in his BMW X5. A friend spoke to him on his cellphone that afternoon, but no one had heard from him since.

Police suspect someone else drove the the man's SUV to an apartment highrise at 210 Steeles Ave. W., near Hurontario St., and close to Peel Regional Police headquarters, Insp. Norm English said.

English said there were obvious signs of trauma. An autopsy will take place in Toronto, however police do not plan on making the results public.

A Peel officer discovered the body yesterday, but police believe it has been there since Wednesday morning.

Koutroubis was part owner of trendy downtown restaurant Six Steps. Police had suggested Koutroubis may also be a bookie.

When asked if the murder appeared to be a mob-style hit, English said it was "too early to determine anything."

He said Koutroubis' family had been notified.

"Mr. Koutroubis was a loved member of his family and he will be missed very much," English said.

[Girl Hermit]

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/02/23/missing-restaurateur-george-koutroubis-found-dead-in-brampton.aspx


By Melissa Leong, National Post

Police have discovered the body of George Koutroubis, a 36-year-old restaurateur who went missing last week.

Officers received a tip yesterday and found Mr. Koutroubis's black BMW SUV in the parking lot of a Brampton apartment complex near Steeles Avenue and Hurontario Street.

His body was located inside with "obvious signs of trauma," Inspector Norm English, with Peel Regional Police's homicide bureau, told reporters today. Results of an autopsy will not be released to the public.

‘‘Anyone who knew George would say he was the kind of friend you only dreamt of having in your life,’’ his family and friends said in a statement. ‘‘He was the first guy to lend you a hand, pick up a tab, and call to congratulate you on your successes. He will be missed.’’

Mr. Koutroubis, who lived on Front Street downtown, was last heard from on Tuesday. The co-owner of Six Steps restaurant in downtown Toronto, as well as a UPS store and several properties, disappeared after going to Whitby on business, friends said.

MORE: See his Restaurant Makeover appearance here.

Insp. English said detectives believe that Mr. Koutroubis was driven to the Brampton location sometime between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

He would not comment on any possible motives for Mr. Koutroubis's slaying. He also declined to discuss reports that the victim worked as a bookie.

"It is vital we speak with anyone who knows Mr. Koutroubis and more importantly anyone who had contact with him in the last 72 hours of his life," he said.


Mr. Koutroubis had been scheduled last Thursday to start his honeymoon — a Caribbean cruise — with his new wife.

"It just makes no sense," said Pat Quinn Jr., who co-owns the restaurant with Mr. Koutroubis. "We're all completely shocked. It is beyond logic why anyone would want to hurt him.

"We just hope they find the people who did this."


The full text of a press release issued by Mr Koutroubis’s family and friends this afternoon:


February 23, 2009
Family and Friends Mourn The Loss of George Koutroubis


TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 23, 2009) - It is with deep sadness we report that George Koutroubis, loving husband, son, brother, trusted friend, and successful businessman has passed away at the age of 36.


On behalf of George's family and close friends, we would like to thank everybody who was involved including: The Toronto Police Service, the media, friends, and all those individuals who took the time to spread the word via the Internet and social media.


Anyone who knew George would say he was the kind of friend you only dreamt of having in your life. He was the first guy to lend you a hand, pick up a tab, and call to congratulate you on your successes.


He will be missed.


Funeral arrangements will be announced in upcoming days.

[Roamer]

My sincere condolences to family and friends.

[Amusedtdth]

Sympathies to family and friends. So sorry for your loss. May God be with you at this time and believe in his love.
:1222423::1222423::1222423:
RIP George

[annalyzer]

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090302/Koutroubis_funeral_090302/20090302/?hub=TorontoNewHome

Thousands say goodbye to murdered restaurateur

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20090223/160_Koutroubis2_090223.jpg

Updated: Mon Mar. 02 2009 1:23:32 PM

About 2,000 people attended a funeral service Monday morning to say goodbye to George Koutroubis, a 36-year-old Toronto restaurateur who was found murdered last week.

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20090302/160_funeral_0903022.jpg

Parking overflowed to a nearby shopping plaza in Thorncliffe Park as crowds of people and a horde of reporters gathered to hear the tribute to a man many described as generous and warm-hearted.

The service was sombre, said Nick Athas, a friend of Koutroubis who attended the funeral. He told reporters outside the funeral home that there wasn't a dry eye among the mourners.

"I'm not a very emotional person but yet my legs are shaking," he said, his voice cracking as he answered reporters' questions. "Everybody in there was crying."

Koutroubis, who was the co-owner of Six Steps Restaurant and Lounge, an upscale eatery in downtown Toronto, was found inside his SUV in Peel region on Feb. 23.

Police said he was beaten to death at another location before being driven to a building parking lot in Brampton. Authorities found his body about a week after he was reported missing and just days after he was supposed to leave on his honeymoon with his wife of two months.

"It's unexplainable that someone would want to do something like this," Athas said. "There are crazy people out there and I hope they're brought to justice."

Koutroubis was known to facilitate sports bets, police said. He was last heard from on Feb. 17 when he called a friend to say he was in Whitby waiting to meet with a business associate. Authorities said he could have been meeting with someone who owed him money.

There haven't been any arrests in the murder but police say they have a few strong leads in the case.

[nanabillie]

That is so sad.

[annalyzer]

Three arrested in killing of man found dead in BMW


Mar 28, 2009 10:23 AM

Peel police have arrested two adults and a 17-year-old in connection to the February murder of George Koutroubis.

The three were arrested yesterday and will appear in court today after charges are formally laid.

The 36-year-old businessman was found dead inside his BMW on Feb. 22. It was parked outside a Steeles Ave. W. apartment building, overlooking the Shoppers World mall. Police said someone else had driven the vehicle to the area.

The accused and victim appear "to have only a passing acquaintance with each other," said Peel Const. Marlene Murphy.

While Koutroubis had many business endeavours, police said not all of them were legitimate. He was considered a bookie and known to "facilitate sports bets."

Murphy said Koutroubis's death does not appear to be gambling related.

"All the information I have about his character is that he was a fine man who was well-respected in the business community," she said.

Andrew Campbell, 43, of Whitby, will be charged with first-degree murder.

Meryl Morgan, 40, also of Whitby, and a 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, will each be charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

Murphy would not reveal the details of the relationship of the suspects to one another, citing the need to protect the identity of the youth.

She would not say whether the two accused of accessory to murder were family members of the primary suspect. But, she noted that while spouses cannot be forced to testify against one another in court, they can be charged with harbouring a suspect.

Murphy credited assistance from Durham and Toronto police "for allowing us to get to this point in the investigation so quickly."

Police are not releasing the results of an autopsy, Murphy said, adding the cause of death and other details are pertinent to the investigation and will be revealed in court.

Koutroubis, 36, known for an ever-buzzing BlackBerry and his speed at returning calls, last made contact with relatives and friends about a week before his body was found. He was never heard from again.

http://www.thestar.com/article/609958

[annalyzer]

City janitor held in Koutroubis slaying
Victim knew suspect

http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/?src=http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/joe_warmington/2009/03/28/joe.jpg&size=248x186
An acquaintance of slain restaurateur George Koutroubis is seen being taken into custody by Peel police in Toronto yesterday afternoon and charged for his murder.

Last Updated: 28th March 2009, 10:47am

An acquaintance of slain restaurateur George Koutroubis was taken into custody by Peel police in Toronto yesterday afternoon and charged in his murder, The Sun has learned.

After an exhaustive and detailed investigation into the mysterious slaying of the well-known and popular co-owner of Six Steps restaurant on Colbourne St., Andrew Campbell, 43, of Whitby, will be in a Brampton court room this morning to be formally charged with first-degree murder.

Two other people — Meryl Morgan, 40, also from Whitby, and a 17-year-old who can’t be named — are facing a charge of accessory after the fact to murder.

Koutroubis, a 36-year-old businessman who was just married in December and about to go on his honeymoon, had been missing since Feb. 17 -- when he told loved ones he had a business appointment in Whitby.

They knew something was wrong when he did not return BlackBerry messages -- a normal practice for the gregarious young man.

SPORTS BETTING

The arrest of a Whitby man comes five weeks after Koutroubis was found with obvious trauma inside a black BMW SUV in the parking lot of a Brampton apartment complex Feb. 22.

This strange case shocked a lot of people on Toronto's nightlife scene. Some 2,000 people showed up to Koutroubis' funeral.

Meanwhile, Campbell, who is known to have a wife and son, came to work yesterday morning at St. Lawrence Market, where he is a janitor employed by the City of Toronto.

But he did not finish his shift.

In the early afternoon, away from his workplace, he was arrested without incident by Peel homicide detectives. Although police did not comment on the motive, sources say to get to this point they dove deep into the world of illegal sports betting.

And the case they are bringing to court will revolve around a transaction that may have gone wrong between Campbell and Koutroubis.

Street sources indicate non- payment on sports bets from the accused to the victim may have been what sparked the disagreement.

Sources have told The Sun that small-time bookie Koutroubis may have ventured out of the safer, smaller sports betting world into higher- risk gambles with clients asking for larger margins.

There is speculation that Campbell allegedly owed $25,000 to Koutroubis but police would not comment, saying it would be best to wait until a trial to learn of the exact details.

"Mr. Campbell is entitled to his day in court," said Insp. Norm English when contacted last night.

The investigation continues and police have also not ruled out the possibility that several accessories to the murder may also face charges.

Although there is speculation about Koutroubis' alleged activities, English stressed he "is the victim here."

26 DETECTIVES

"By all accounts he was a terrific guy who was loved by many people -- especially his family."

Time will tell what led to his death but no matter what, "George did not deserve to be murdered," English said.

As I reported in a Feb. 24 column, the killer, whoever it was, made a big mistake by rolling the dice and dumping the body in Peel Region. Peel homicide detectives are known for solving 100% of their cases.

"We will get to the bottom of this -- and we will do it quickly," English promised at the time. "We will run down every lead but we are not going to drag (Koutroubis') name through the mud based on media acting like this is a Sopranos episode. There is nothing entertaining about murder."

But as written then, if I was a betting man I would bet they would soon have an arrest. Peel cops threw 26 detectives at this complicated case.

When police found Koutroubis' body they had very little to go on -- other than innuendo and rumours.

"We retraced the last steps of Mr. Koutroubis' life and that led us in a certain direction," said English, adding the next move is to gather "evidence" and then it "starts to fit together like a puzzle."

He made a point of thanking Toronto Police "for allowing Peel police to gain quick access to their investigative file on their missing person's probe." He also thanked Durham Regional Police for "assisting us on a number of occasions" and the Centre of Forensic Sciences.

It was good, old-fashioned police work leading to an arrest.

Court records indicate Campbell has a 2004 firearms conviction and was not a stranger to police.

He will be before a court again today -- this time charged with first-degree murder.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/joe_warmington/2009/03/28/8914106-sun.html

[grammybears]

I just cannot even imagine what this poor family is going through. What a waste of the person who commited this crime. Here was a very smart man and just for supposed illegal bidding a man lost his life.
My prayers go out to his family and friends.