An autopsy into the death of a mentally-ill man who was badly beaten and died on Sunday has revealed he is the city's latest homicide.
George Wass, 62, was attacked near the intersection of Queen St. West and Jameson Ave. in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood on Friday and died on Monday. The coroner ruled he died of blunt force trauma to the chest.
Police are asking Parkdale residents to remain vigilant as they continue to hunt for the man they believe is responsible for a series of assaults on mentally ill residents in Parkdale.
Detective Sergeant Graham Gibson said the suspect may have been involved in up to five beatings in the community.
"Obviously we are very concerned for the people in the neighbourhod," said Gibson. "We are asking anyone to come forward if they see something that doesn't sit right with them. We feel this person is dangerous; we want people to be vigilant."
Police say the suspect attacked Wass with a flurry of kicks and punches, then fled the scene. He was taken to hospital and released. He collapsed at home early Monday morning and was taken back to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
In the other attacks dating back to early January of 2011, police allege a single suspect targeted area residents with mental health issues.
The alleged victims include a 55-year-old man on March 3, a 62-year-old man on February 25, as well as a 53-year-old man on January 9, and a 47-year-old woman on January 4 -- all of whom were subsequently hospitalized with varying degrees of injury.
Investigators are looking for a man described as between 5-foot-8 and 6 feet tall, with a stocky build. He has been described as wearing a black balaclava, dark clothing and, in two of the attacks, riding a dark−coloured mountain bike with no fenders.
Toronto police are asking anyone with information about any of the assaults to contact police at 11 Division directly at 416−808−1100. Anonymous tips can also be left by calling Crime Stoppers at 416−222−TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com. The public can also text TOR and any relevant information to CRIMES (274637).
