Det.-Sgt. Gary Giroux speaks to reporters about the killing of Nighisti Semret at a press conference in Toronto
By michelle-lee : An additional charge of first-degree murder has been laid in the shooting death of Anthony Spencer, 23. Spencer was killed in a recording studio in Scarborough, in January 2012. Chever Ashley, 22, has had a charge of accessory after the fact upgraded to first-degree murder and now faces additional counts of assault and robbery. The same charges have been laid against Samuel Paul, 22, who is also charged with first-degree murder.
Reward Offered: Toronto police have offered a $50,000. reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible in the killing of Nighisti Semret. Semret, 55, was born in Eritrea and had been in Canada since 2010. She was stalked and fatally stabbed while returning home from work on Oct. 23, 2012. Police say a significant amount of blood was found on the inside of the bag Semret was carrying and they believe the killer may have injured his arm or hand in the attack. Police also say DNA believed to be the killer’s was found under Semret’s fingernails indicating a struggle. Blood was also found on an umbrella used by the man who tried to defend her. The recovered DNA was run through national databases but no match was found. Security cameras in the area show a man following Semret and then running back after the incident. He is described as White, 150-180 pounds, medium build with dark eyebrows. He was wearing a dark ¾ coat with circular buttons on the cuffs, a dark hat and a light colored scarf.
Carding Receipts to be issued:
A receipt, Form 306 – an interim measure while the Toronto Police Department and the City’s auditor investigate the practice of carding (street checks) will be handed out to every person police stop. It is hope the receipts will help make police more accountable. Civil Rights Advocates say police stop Black people (especially young Black males) disproportionately and have been complaining for years about the practice. They say carding violates the Human Rights Code of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Police Chief Blair defends the practice as good police work in high crime areas. Many are saying Form 306, which will be handed out beginning in July, is not adequate. They say vague descriptions such as “community engagement and general investigation” as reasons for the stop are too “open-ended”.
Kwado “Kojo” Mensah, 20, was shot dead in Scarborough in late April. He was found by police, on a grassy pathway with gunshot wounds in his chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The police were responding to several reports of gunshots near Morningside and Old Finch Ave. Mensah had attended Don Bosco Catholic School and was a member of the football team coached by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. Sheldon Scrubb, 18, has now been charged with 2nd degree murder
