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
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
What to pack during an emergency
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
LIVE UPDATES Star witness returning to the stand for more testimony at Trump's at hush money trial
Donald Trump’s fixer-turned-foe returns to the witness stand Tuesday for a bruising round of questioning from the former president’s lawyers.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Regulated area for invasive box tree moth expanded to parts of the Maritimes
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has added much of the Maritimes to a regulated area for an invasive species.
Already expensive, planning for fertility treatment difficult as costs vary widely
Being unable to have a child naturally can be extremely difficult. But when you factor in the high costs of fertility treatments, the range of individual circumstances and the fact that the industry itself is secretive about fees, it can make the whole ordeal even more devastating and hard to plan for.
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.