Eight teenagers, some as young as 13, have been charged in connection with a “swarm” attack in downtown Toronto that left one man dead on Sunday.
Toronto police said it happened in the area of York Street and University Avenue around 12:17 a.m.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, Det. Sergeant Terry Browne of the homicide unit said a group of people in the area called paramedics and notified them about a man who had been assaulted.
“Emergency medical services personnel began medical intervention. They realized the victim had sustained what would be described as stab wounds,” Browne said.
The victim, a 59-year-old man, was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In the vicinity, eight young people who allegedly assaulted and stabbed the victim were arrested.
“And as a result of the quick work of the 52nd Division officers, these women were able to be located and detained,” Browne said.
They have been charged with second degree murder. They appeared in court on Sunday and were taken into custody.
The girls cannot be identified under the terms of the Juvenile Criminal Justice Act, but police said three of them are 13, three are 14 and two are 16.
Browne noted that it’s unclear how long the girls have known each other, as they hail from different parts of town.
“They met through social media,” he said. “We don’t know how or why they met that night and why the destination was downtown Toronto.”
While he did not call the group a gang, Browne said what the girls allegedly did could be described as “a swarm.”
When asked if the police knew any of the girls, he noted that three had had prior contact with police services.
During the arrest, several weapons were also seized, but Browne declined to provide details about them.
Meanwhile, the police have not released the name of the victim as they have yet to notify his relatives. Browne said the victim recently moved into the shelter system.
“He has a very supportive family in the area,” Browne said.
The victim is the city’s 68th homicide of the year.
The police have established a dedicated website where people can present evidence, including video, about the incident that could help in the investigation.
Browne said investigators are particularly looking to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and interacted with the group of girls.
“We have information to believe that this same group of eight young women was involved in a previous altercation,” he said.
“If you have something, please share it with us because we would like to have all the information available.”
Mayor John Tory issued a statement on the incident, calling it “unacceptable”.
“While we continue to learn the details of this murder, I am deeply disturbed by the allegations made public thus far. Everyone in our city deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” Tory said.
“I am very saddened to learn that a man has lost his life in this manner. Toronto Police have made multiple arrests in this case. I am extremely concerned about the young age of the defendants and the number of people allegedly involved in this case. murder”. .”
Anyone with information can also contact homicide investigators at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.