A 31-year-old Nigerian, Adimabua Chukwuka, is facing a potential life sentence after being charged with the first-degree murder of a 60-year-old homeless man, Mario Ferreira, in Toronto, Canada.
Chukwuka was arrested last Friday by the Toronto Police Service’s 52 Division following a public tip-off.
According to police reports, officers responded to a distress call from the University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constables on March 20, after an unconscious man was found near 144 College St. Despite efforts from first responders, Ferreira was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homicide investigators released a photo of the suspect on March 21, leading to Chukwuka’s swift arrest.
Detective Trevor Grieve of the Toronto Police Service described the attack as unprovoked.
“Without warning or provocation, the suspect approaches Mr. Ferreira, who is lying on the bench, and uses debris—possibly from a construction site or dumpster—to assault him repeatedly and violently,” Grieve stated.
After the attack, the suspect reportedly fled the scene while still holding the debris used in the assault.
Under Canada’s Criminal Code, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole for at least 25 years.
“We are committed to bringing justice to Mr. Ferreira and his loved ones,” Grieve said, urging anyone with additional information or security footage to assist in the ongoing investigation.
