In a harrowing case that has gripped Toronto, two teenage girls charged in the brutal death of 59-year-old Kenneth Lee have opted to undergo a trial presided over by a judge alone. This decision comes as part of a larger scandal involving a group attack on Lee, which allegedly occurred in December 2022.

The two girls are among eight teenagers, all between the ages of 13 and 16 at the time of the incident, who stand accused of involvement in this tragic case. Police reports indicate that Kenneth Lee was swarmed and stabbed by the group, leading to his untimely demise, which has stirred community outrage and concern over youth violence.

In a significant development, four of the eight accused have already pleaded guilty to lesser charges in Ontario Court, with three admitting to manslaughter and one to assault causing bodily harm. This plea deal has highlighted the complexity of this case, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.

The remaining four girls are set to face trial next year, with three facing second-degree murder charges and one charged with manslaughter. Originally, all four were slated for a jury trial; however, recent legal maneuvers have led two of the girls to seek a judge-only trial, which was approved by both the Crown and the presiding judge. The judge-only trial is slated to commence in January, while the jury trial is anticipated for May.

This case has raised alarming questions about the safety of vulnerable populations in urban areas and the troubling rise of youth-related violence. Local community leaders and activists are calling for a deeper examination of societal factors that contribute to such tragic events.

As the legal proceedings move forward, many are left wondering how these young defendants will navigate the complexities of the justice system and the implications of their actions on their futures. Stay tuned for more updates on this shocking story that continues to unfold in Toronto.