A Toronto man is fighting for his life at St. Michael's Hospital after being viciously beaten at the Don Jail on Wednesday.
Kevin Pereira was in the jail awaiting trial on drug-dealing charges when he was beaten in a common during the lunch hour, police say.
Pereira's family told CTV Toronto's Chris Eby on Thursday that the 32-year-old is unconscious and in grave condition at the hospital. He had been taken to hospital with no vital signs.
His chances of a full recovery even if he does survive are considered slim.
Police are investigating the beating. They are preparing to lay an aggravated assault charge against a suspect and could lay murder charges if Pereira succumbs to his injuries, Eby reported.
The jail, located on Gerrard Street on the east bank of the Don River Valley, is a holding facility for short-term prisoners who are generally either awaiting trial or sentencing.
The beating comes only five days after 32-year-old inmate Jeff Munro was beaten to death. Munro, who had mental health problems and was a drug addict, was attacked after an alleged dispute over a bag of potato chips last Saturday evening, court has heard.
Three men have been charged with first-degree murder in Munro's death. Munro had been in the mental health wing. The area where the attack occurred had no security cameras.
The attack on Pereira occurred one floor below the one on Munro.
A visitation was held Thursday for Munro. His funeral service will be held Friday.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Chris Eby
