A 31-year-old Nigerian man, Adimabua Chukwuka, is facing a possible 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 tip-off from the public. Authorities allege that he attacked Ferreira without provocation, leading to the victim’s death.
According to reports, police responded to a call from the University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constables on March 20 about an unconscious man near 144 College Street. Despite efforts by emergency responders, Ferreira was pronounced dead at the scene.
Toronto Police Detective Trevor Grieve emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim. “We are committed to bringing justice to Mr. Ferreira and his loved ones,” he stated, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Homicide investigators released a photo of the suspect on March 21, and shortly after, Chukwuka was taken into custody and formally charged with first-degree murder.
Security footage reportedly captured Ferreira lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent around 5:20 a.m. when Chukwuka, armed with debris possibly taken from a construction site or dumpster, violently attacked him without warning.
“He then fled the area holding the debris he used to commit the assault,” Grieve said, adding that investigators are still gathering evidence and reviewing security footage.
Under Section 235 (1) of the Canadian Criminal Code, first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence. If convicted, Chukwuka will face life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years.