TORONTO — Toronto police say a 31-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge in an alleged random attack on a homeless man outside a University of Toronto building.
Police, who initially said they didn't believe the 60-year-old man's death was suspicious, say Mario Ferreira died from blunt force trauma to his upper body.
They say the unprovoked attack occurred on Thursday morning, three hours before police were called.
Police announced the suspect's arrest late Friday afternoon, a few hours after releasing his picture and details of the alleged crime.
Investigators said they have video of a man who allegedly used debris, possibly from a dumpster or construction site, to repeatedly attack the victim while he was lying on a bench around 5:20 a.m. outside the University of Toronto pharmacy building.
Police say they were called at around 8:20 a.m., when a bystander contacted campus security and they called emergency responders.
Ferreira was pronounced dead outside the College Street building, just beside the grounds of Queen's Park.
Police say the suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday morning.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 21, 2025.
The Canadian Press
