Man Charged in Fatal Unprovoked Attack Near U of T

Toronto police have arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the fatal assault of Mario Ferreira, a 60-year-old unhoused man, in what investigators are calling an unprovoked and random attac near U of T.

The incident occurred early Thursday morning near the University of Toronto’s downtown campus, prompting a homicide investigation and a city-wide appeal for information.

What Happened on March 20?

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on March 20, campus security at the University of Toronto contacted police after finding an injured man near Queen’s Park Crescent and College Street. Emergency responders confirmed the victim had died at the scene.

The victim was later identified as Mario Ferreira, a Toronto resident who was experiencing homelessness.

Video Shows Early-Morning Assault

According to Det. Sgt. Trevor Grieve, investigators reviewed high-quality surveillance footage from the area. The video revealed that around 5:20 a.m., Ferreira was lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent, likely asleep.

Footage showed a man approaching Ferreira while holding a piece of “debris,” possibly from a construction site or dumpster. Without any provocation, the man struck Ferreira repeatedly, causing fatal injuries. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

Grieve confirmed that no interaction occurred between the two men before the assault.

Cause of Death and Arrest

A post-mortem examination conducted Friday confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma.

Later that afternoon, Toronto police arrested Adimabua Chukwuka, 31, of Toronto. He faces a first-degree murder charge and was scheduled to appear in court on Saturday.

Investigation and Public Appeal

Investigators say the attack was random and targeted without warning. Police released images of the suspect Friday morning and received a tip that led to the arrest.

Authorities are asking for any video or witness accounts from the area near Queen’s Park Crescent between 5:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on March 20. Police are especially interested in dashcam or security footage that may offer additional context.

Grieve called the suspect “armed and dangerous” during Friday’s appeal, prior to the arrest.

University of Toronto Responds

The University of Toronto confirmed the arrest and then sent a safety alert to students and staff. The message thanked the campus community for their cooperation.

Ferreira was not a student or employee of the university, police said.

Fifth Homicide in Toronto This Year

*Suspect photo. Provided / Toronto Police*

Ferreira’s death marks Toronto’s fifth homicide of 2025. The case has raised ongoing concerns about violence against vulnerable people in public spaces.

The police investigation remains active. Toronto Police Service encourages anyone with relevant information to contact them or leave anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

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