Police say a U.S. man beaten to death outside of a Toronto bar after attending a bachelor party in the city has been identified as a 26-year-old resident of Maryland.
During a news conference on Sunday, homicide Det. Rob North said Julian Jones was celebrating with friends at Blind Tiger, located near College Street and Manning Avenue, when he was attacked and beaten to death outside the Little Italy bar.
The assault, police said, took place shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Saturday and several people were seen fleeing the scene following the incident.
North said witnesses have described the attack as unprovoked.
"Based on the witnesses we’ve spoken to, Mr. Jones did absolutely nothing wrong and unfortunately met his demise," he said.
Police say they are now searching for two suspects they believe actively participated in the assault. Investigators are also searching for several other people who police believe were with the suspects during the assault.
“As a result of the video we have to date, we are interested in speaking with any members of seven to nine males who fled south on Manning Avenue toward Dundas Street shortly after the altercation or interaction with Mr. Jones and his group,” North said.
“I am asking you directly, if you are not involved in any assault on Mr. Jones but you were a part of that group, have some conscience, come forward and make yourself known to police… In the next few days, we will be releasing your identification via photo imaging and your identity will become known and we will come knocking on your door.”
North said Jones’ friends have all given statements to police.
“Unfortunately they have had to take the long, somber trip back to Maryland minus one friend,” North added.
According to North, Jones’ family described him a “hard-working” young man who was engaged to be married.
“(He) came to this city to celebrate what was supposed to be a happy event…Unfortunately, because of the actions of a few residents of this city, he doesn’t have that opportunity to move forward in his life.”
North added that it was not the victim's bachelor party but noted that Jones was close friends with the groom-to-be.
One suspect who police believe participated in the attack is described as a white male, 26 or 27 years old with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black top and black pants.
The second suspect who investigators believe attacked Jones is described as a 26 or 27 year old black male who has a full beard and has a large build. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and skinny black pants.
During Sunday's news conference, North urged the suspects to turn themselves in.
"To those of you who participated in the assault of Mr. Jones, I also ask you to contact a lawyer, turn yourself in to the police," he said.
"We will again be releasing your images as well and it is a matter of time before we hunt you down and bring you to justice."
