Police identify 16-year-old killed in 'unprovoked' stabbing at Toronto subway station
Police have identified a teenager who died after being stabbed in an ‘unprovoked’ attack at a Toronto subway station Saturday night, and have charged an adult male suspect with his murder.
Police were called to the west-end Keele TTC station just before 9 p.m. after receiving a call for a stabbing.
It’s alleged that the victim, a 16-year-old male, was sitting on a bench in the station’s lower level when the suspect approached and stabbed him without provocation.
The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital where he later died, according to police.
The victim has been identified as Gabriel Magalhaes, of Toronto.
Police say the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Jordan O’Brien-Tolbin, of no fixed address, was arrested on Saturday and charged with first-degree murder.
The charge has not been proven in court.
In a statement, Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie called the teen’s murder a “tragedy.”
“My thoughts are with Gabriel Magalhaes' family and friends as they mourn this loss,” she said.
“I understand Toronto Police have arrested and charged one person with first-degree murder. I hope the individual responsible for this murder will face justice.
McKelvie went on to say that the TTC must be a “safe place for all riders and transit workers – we can accept nothing less.”
“I support the work the TTC, Toronto Police and City staff are doing to implement additional safety measures funded by Toronto City Council in the 2023 budget including the hiring of 50 new special constables,” she said.
Magalhaes' murder comes after a series of random attacks that took place on or near the TTC earlier this year.The incident comes after a series of random attacks that took place on or near the TTC earlier this year.
Over a one-month period between January and February, the Toronto Police Service notified the public of at least 14 different violent crimes against riders or employees.
TPS data, however, shows that about 60 incidents occurred per month throughout 2022.
In light of this, the city deployed 50 additional security guards to patrol the transit system and hired 20 community safety ambassadors.
However the overtime units cost the city about $1.5 million a month, a cost too high to maintain. The program came to an end two weeks ago.
Police say the increased police presence resulted in 314 arrests, as well as more than 220 referrals to people in need of social supports.
In a statement issued Sunday, the TTC said its thoughts are with the family and friends of the teen who died.
"Like everyone, we are concerned and saddened by this attack and we take incidents like these extremely seriously," the statement read.
"The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority, and we will continue to work with Toronto Police Services as they investigate."
In a tweet, non-profit public transit advocacy group, TTC Riders, said Magalhaes’ murder is “heartbreaking,” adding the TTC will only be safer when Toronto is safer.
“Violence is not unique to public transit. Violent incidents on public transit started increasing three years ago when the pandemic began, but politicians responded only when high profile incidents were reported in the media,” they wrote.
“Safety on transit is a serious issue that deserves evidence-based, thoughtful solutions. Responding to violence based on the news cycle won't bring lasting change and is irresponsible.”
With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.