One of 8 girls charged in stabbing of homeless man in Toronto granted bail

One of the eight young girls accused of second-degree murder of a 59-year-old man has been granted bail.

The accused, who cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, must follow a number of conditions including not contacting the others charged and one other person.

She also cannot possess any weapons or a cellphone and must stay in the province.

The other accused appeared in court via Zoom on Thursday morning from youth detention centres. They are expected back in court on Jan. 5 for another hearing.

Last week, Toronto police said the girls met through social media and “swarmed” the man, who they said had been living in the shelter system.

Det. Sgt. Terry Browne said bystanders flagged down emergency medical personnel in the area of York Street and University Avenue shortly after midnight on Sunday to help a man who had been injured.

After locating what appeared to be stab wounds, workers transported the man to a hospital, where he died, Browne said last week from a press conference at police headquarters.

Investigators believe the girls may have been trying to steal alcohol during the incident, and that the man may have been targeted by them at random, Toronto police say.

All eight girls are charged with second-degree murder. Three are 13 years old, three are 14 years old and two are 16 years old. Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

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