Eight teenage girls were charged Tuesday in the murder of a 59-year-old man in Toronto just after midnight last Sunday.
In a statement, officers said three 13-year-old, three 14-year-old and two 16-year-old girls were involved in the crime.
The events allegedly took place at 12:15 am on December 18 in the heart of downtown Toronto at the intersection of York and University streets. The eight teenage girls allegedly attacked and stabbed the man.
The victim, whose identity is not yet known, was rescued at the scene by police and taken to the hospital, where she died a few hours later.
According to the police, the young girls, who all live in the Queen City, cannot be described as part of a “gang” for the time being.
“What they are accused of that night is what is commonly referred to as ‘swarming’ behavior,” Toronto Police Service Detective Sgt. Terry Browne said at a news conference. Swarming occurs when a person is attacked by a group of people for no reason.
The teenagers met through social media, but police don’t know how long they had known each other before the events.
They appeared in court at Toronto’s Old City Hall at 10 a.m. on the same day of events. They must return there on December 29th.
Steps were also taken to collect the weapons used in the incident.
Anyone with more information can contact the Toronto Police Department at 416-808-7400