A teenager has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of a homeless man in Toronto.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to being a minor, appeared in court on Monday and admitted to causing the death of 59-year-old John Doe.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2021, when the teenager and two other individuals approached Doe, who was sleeping on a bench in a park near Yonge and Dundas streets.
According to the Crown, the teenager punched Doe in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. Doe was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
The teenager was initially charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was reduced to manslaughter as part of a plea deal.
The Crown is seeking a sentence of four years in a youth detention facility, while the defense is asking for a sentence of two years.
The court heard that the teenager has a history of mental health issues and was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
The victim’s family was present in court and expressed their grief and anger over the loss of their loved one.
The case has sparked a conversation about the treatment of homeless individuals in the city and the need for better support and resources for those living on the streets.
The sentencing hearing is set to continue on Tuesday, where the judge will consider all the evidence before making a decision on the appropriate sentence for the teenager.
