Dismembered human remains found on Toronto beach
Toronto police are trying to identify a number of dismembered body parts discovered on a downtown beach last year.
At a news conference on Tuesday, investigators said two human thighs were found on Oct. 9 at Cherry Beach in the city's Port Lands area. Weeks later, on Oct. 30, a human torso was discovered in the water during a patrol by Toronto police’s marine unit.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Police said the body parts are believed to belong to the same individual and appear to be intentionally dismembered.
The torso, which was found partially wrapped in a black plastic garbage bag, was wearing a size small t-shirt and a necklace when it was discovered.
“Because we only have a torso and we only have thighs that do not have any distinguishing marks or scars or tattoos, it’s made it quite difficult for us to identify this individual,” Det. Sgt. Tiffany Castell told reporters on Tuesday.
“At this point, we do not know how this individual died. That is why it is not being treated as a homicide, although we are treating it with the highest level of suspicion,” Castell said.
Toronto police release the image of a necklace in connection with a human remains investigation on March 5, 2023.
Following a forensic pathology report, investigators believe that the individual was male, between the ages of 21 and 28-years-old, with a light brown to tan complexion, average to lean build and black body hair.
He died 24 to 48 hours before the thighs were discovered, police said.
Without knowing the cause of death, Castell said police are currently investigating the discovery as an indignity to a human body.
Speaking to the human remains that have yet to be located, Castell said there are “certainly going to be remains somewhere,” but couldn’t say whether or not investigators believe they are in the water or elsewhere.
Acting Supt. Kathlin Seremetkovski said police are also in contact with U.S. law enforcement officials to investigate if the body parts may have been disposed of south of the border.
“This person is a family member, a friend, a co-worker, an acquaintance. Someone knows who this individual is. Someone knows what took place,” she said.
Police have set up a dedicated email address for members of the public to get in touch with information about the investigation, which can be found here.
Toronto's Cherry Beach is seen on Oct. 10, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
BREAKING Manhunt underway for suspect after several people shot in Kentucky near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.