TRANSCRIPTION OF PRESS CONFERENCE
20TH DECEMBER.
LE - Good afternoon everyone. On Sunday, 18th. Dec., just after midnight, Emergency Medical Services staff were flagged down by a group of individuals who were reporting an assault that had just occurred to an individual, in and around the area of York and University Ave. An emergency medical services staff commenced medical intervention. They realised that the victim had suffered what were described as stab wounds. As a result of that, that individual was transported to a nearby hospital, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.
As the investigation unfolded, it was learned very early on that the suspects involved in this were being described as eight young females. And, as a result of quick work by officers in 52 Division, these females were able to be located and apprehended and were subsequently brought to 52 Division where they faced the charge, and are, facing a charge of second degree murder in relation to the death of a now 59 yr. old male, who is a resident of Toronto. I cannot release his name at this point because we are still taking steps to notify members of his next of kin, but we will be releasing it sometime in the future.
These eight females range in age from 13-16. Three of them being 13, three of them being fourteen, and two of them being 16 yrs. of age. They've already made their first appearance in court. They are remanded into custody and will be returning again on the 29th. Dec., for their next court appearance.
We're seeking the public's assistance in trying to gather as much evidence as possible. Obviously, we have done a video canvas, as well as a canvas for witnesses in the area. What we can tell you, factually, right now, is that we believe this group of eight young ladies attended the area at least by 10:30 on the 17th. Dec. We have information to believe that this same group of eight young women were involved in an altercation earlier, before becoming involved in this altercation. So, if anyone was in the area of York University Front Street, in that general area, sometime after 10 pm on the 17th. into the 18th., we'd like to speak to you, if in fact you may have had interaction with this group of eight. I think they would be easily identifiable because these two interactions involved in, what would be described as, criminal behaviour. So, if you were a victim or had contact with these individuals, we'd like to hear from you.
Reporter - (
I think he asks if it was a girl gang).
LE - What we've gleaned so far, is that these eight individuals, from what we've gathered so far is that they met each other through social media. They come from varying parts of the city. That is to say, they are not from one specific geographic location. We don't know how or why they met on that evening and why the destination was downtown Toronto. We don't know how long they've been acquainted together with each other, but I wouldn't describe them as a 'gang' at this point, but what they are alleged to have occurred that evening would be consistent with what we traditionally call a 'swarming' or swarming type behaviour.
Reporter - Are any of them known to the police?.
LE - Three of them have had prior contact with the Toronto.. with police services, but aside from that, the other five have had no contact with police whatsoever.
Reporter - Was the victim in this a homeless individual?.
LE - The 59 yr. old victim is currently living in the shelter system but had only been recently moving into the shelter system, so late fall he'd gone there. He does have a very supportive family in the area. So, I wouldn't necessarily call him homeless, maybe just recently on some hard luck.
I can tell you that a number of weapons were secured as well as subject to incident to arrest. I won't get into what those weapons were, but we did, we did secure a number of weapons in regards to these individuals.
When you see the media release, you will see a link that is attached to that media release. That's for anyone that may have any video whatsoever. When you go to that link, you can upload any video that you might have and that goes directly to our evidence section. So, please have a look at the link. If you have something, please share that with us because we would like to get any and all information available.
Thank you.