Tragic Incident in Downtown Toronto

In a shocking series of violent attacks that struck at the heart of Toronto, a 62-year-old man was fatally injured while sleeping on a bench at Nathan Phillips Square. Toronto police have arrested a 12-year-old boy along with a 20-year-old man, both charged with a range of crimes, including second-degree murder.

A Pattern of Violence

The horrific events unfolded over a mere two-and-a-half hours on the morning of August 31, targeting vulnerable members of the community. Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe described these assaults as "extremely violent" and "unprovoked," with victims unaware of their attackers until it was too late.

Assaults Begin

The first assault occurred around 5:45 a.m. near Yonge and Dundas streets, where a male sitting on a bench was brutally attacked by a suspect wielding a hammer. Fortunately, he managed to evade further harm.

Escalating Attacks

Just minutes later, at 5:52 a.m., a 70-year-old man fell victim to another violent attack, suffering serious injuries before being rushed to the hospital.

The Fatal Encounter

The attackers then made their way to Nathan Phillips Square around 6:08 a.m. Here, they mercilessly beat the sleeping 62-year-old man, one suspect again using a hammer. Tragically, this assault resulted in severe injuries that led to the man's death days later.

Continued Rampage

Post-attack, the suspects moved to Gerrard and Yonge streets, where they robbed a 63-year-old man, pushing him to the ground during their escape. The final incident occurred near College and Yonge streets when they attempted to forcibly take a man's phone.

Quick Arrests

Thanks to the vigilant actions of officers from 52 Division, the suspects were apprehended shortly after their last crime.

Urgent Call for Community Action

In light of the disturbing trend of youth involvement in violent crimes, Deputy Chief Robert Johnson emphasized the urgent need for community intervention. The tragic death of the 62-year-old man has reignited conversations about the safety of vulnerable populations and the increasing prevalence of youth violence in the Greater Toronto Area.

A Community in Shock

As investigators work to reach the victim's next of kin, the city grapples with the aftermath of these senseless attacks. Officials are urging anyone who may have interacted with the suspects on that fateful morning to come forward.

Hope for Change

The police and community leaders are now calling for actionable strategies to prevent future violence, particularly involving youth. Toronto stands united in mourning the respect to the life lost and seeks to ensure safety for all its residents.