Toronto police are urgently appealing to the public for assistance following the fatal stabbing of a male youth near Queen Street East and Coxwell Avenue on Saturday night, July 5. The tragic incident has left the community in shock, as police continue their efforts to identify the suspect or suspects responsible.
Emergency responders were flagged down around 10:10 p.m. at the McDonald’s on Eastern Avenue. Paramedics discovered the victim suffering from critical stab wounds. The teen was rushed to a trauma centre under an emergency run but, despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead.
Det. Sgt. Alan Bartlett of Toronto Police Service’s Homicide Unit held a press conference Sunday morning at 55 Division, urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward with information. Bartlett emphasized the urgency and importance of public cooperation in moving the investigation forward.
“There were hundreds of people in the area,” said Bartlett. “I would encourage you—if you saw something, if you recorded something on your device, if you know something—please contact the Toronto Police Service.”
Police are specifically requesting dash cam footage, cellphone videos, and surveillance recordings from nearby residences or businesses that may have captured any part of the incident or surrounding activity. Detectives believe such evidence could be critical in identifying those responsible and determining the circumstances that led to the stabbing.
As of now, no suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made. Authorities have not released details about a possible motive, and the identity of the victim remains withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Bartlett confirmed that the Toronto Police Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation and is working diligently to gather evidence and conduct interviews with potential witnesses. Officers have been canvassing the neighborhood for additional information and are reviewing any available video footage from nearby locations.
The violent nature of the crime, especially in such a densely populated area and during a busy evening, has sparked concern among residents and community leaders. Many in the neighborhood are calling for increased safety measures and police visibility, particularly near areas with high foot traffic.
Anyone who was in the Queen and Coxwell area on Saturday night around the time of the stabbing—or who may have relevant video or information—is strongly encouraged to contact investigators. Tips can be submitted by calling the Toronto Police Service Homicide Unit at 416-808-7400.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.
As the investigation continues, Toronto police have pledged to provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, the city mourns the loss of a young life and hopes that justice will soon be served.
