One of four suspects in the swarming death of a St. Catharines man in downtown Toronto will be charged with second-degree murder today, police said Thursday.
The aggravated assault charge against 21-year-old Nicole Kish, of Toronto, is being upgraded because of new information in the stabbing and beating death of Ross Hammond.
Det. Sgt. Gary Giroux wouldn't discuss the specific evidence that has come to light, but said new details have emerged from residents who witnessed the attack.
"There was a streetcar stopped and there were people on that streetcar making observations out the window, there were people on the street and there were people above ground looking out as a result of the commotion," he said.
Giroux said there were about 50 people in the Trinity Bellwoods Park area when Hammond was assaulted just after midnight Saturday.
Giroux said Kish suffered a slash wound on her arm.
Officers are still reviewing surveillance camera footage and speaking to witnesses.
Kish appeared in bail court Thursday where she was charged.
Kish's family declined to comment after the hearing but released a statement through Kish's defence lawyer.
"We believe when all the facts are in, Nicole will be exonerated. We're concerned about her injuries and hope to have her back home with us as soon as possible," defence lawyer John Scarfe said outside the courthouse.
The three co-accused -- Douglas Fresh, 22, Jeremy Woolley, 21, and Sarah McDermit, 22 -- are in custody pending their next court appearance on Aug. 28. Police said they arrived recently from the United States. They are charged with aggravated assault and weapons offences.
Police described all four as panhandlers and drifters.
Hammond, 32, was attacked after refusing to hand over money when asked, police said. An argument ensued, and he was stabbed and beaten. He died in hospital two days later.
A funeral for Hammond is being held today in St. Catharines.
With a report from CTV's Chris Eby
