Eight teen girls accused of killing a man over alcohol are scheduled to appear in court Thursday to face formal charges.
According to City News, the suspects, ranging in age from 13 to 16, have been charged with second-degree murder concerning the death of an unidentified man they allegedly attacked, assaulted, and killed on December 18. The suspects’ names are disclosed due to their age.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Toronto Police Division said the incident happened around 12:17 a.m. at York Street and University Avenue in downtown Toronto; police responded to the scene after receiving calls about an unresponsive man who had been stabbed.
Locals called the victim “Kenney” and said he was in his 50s. Police later added that he was 59.
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Residents of the Strathcona Hotel, where the victim once lived, described him as a friendly and generous man who was homeless at the time of the incident. Police said he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition following the attack, where he was pronounced dead.
According to police, the suspects “swarmed” the man, and a “back and forth” attack ensued.
“The actual incident, proper, lasted almost three minutes long,” Toronto Police Detective Sergeant Terry Browne told the Associated Press. “So, walked away, walked toward, walked away, walked toward.”
“I’ve been in the force for almost 35 years and you think you’ve seen it all. Anyone who isn’t shocked to hear something like this has obviously just thrown in the towel and said anything is possible in this world. Eight young girls and most under 16. If this isn’t alarming and shocking to everyone then frankly we’re all in trouble.”
Brown added that the teens were from different parts of the city, and it’s unclear why they met up on the night in question. Investigators believe that the group of girls may have also been in other altercations that night.
The victim, who recently started living at a Toronto shelter, had a “very supportive family in the area.”
Check back for updates.
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