8 teens charged in Toronto man’s death set to return to court

Eight teenage girls facing second-degree murder charges in the death of a Toronto man are set to return to court Thursday.

Toronto Police say three 13-year-olds, three 14-year-olds, and two 16-year-olds allegedly stabbed and killed a 59-year-old man in the city’s downtown core in mid-December.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the release of the identities of the accused.

The court hearing today is expected to set dates for bail hearings in the case.

Det. Sgt. Terry Browne said in a media conference on Dec. 20 that investigators believe the teens congregated after meeting on social media and live across the Greater Toronto Area.

Browne also said that three of the accused have had prior contact with Toronto Police.

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It is not understood at this time why the group may have chosen the location of downtown Toronto to gather.

During a brief court appearance on Dec. 29, a lawyer for one of the girls requested Crown lawyers disclose a video of the alleged attack posted on the popular online video platform TikTok.

A number of weapons were also secured when the youths were arrested.

Police say the 59-year-old victim moved into the shelter system in the late fall but maintained a supportive family connection in the area. His identity has not been released as steps are being taken to notify next-of-kin.