A third 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, entered the plea in a Toronto courtroom on Monday. He is the third and final teenager to plead guilty in the case.
The victim, 50-year-old Ralph Bissonnette, was found unconscious and badly beaten in a downtown Toronto park on October 28, 2019. He later died in hospital.
The three teenagers, who were all 16 at the time of the incident, were initially charged with second-degree murder. However, the charges were later reduced to manslaughter.
The first two teenagers pleaded guilty to manslaughter last year and were sentenced to two years in custody and one year of probation. The third teenager’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 14.
According to the agreed statement of facts, the three teenagers were drinking and smoking marijuana in the park when they came across Bissonnette. They proceeded to punch, kick, and stomp on him, causing severe head injuries.
The Crown prosecutor stated that the teenagers had no prior connection to Bissonnette and the attack was unprovoked.
Bissonnette’s death sparked outrage and calls for action to address the issue of violence against homeless individuals in Toronto.
In a statement read in court, Bissonnette’s sister described him as a kind and gentle person who struggled with mental health issues and addiction.
The judge has ordered a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric assessment for the third teenager before his sentencing hearing.
The case has been adjourned until June 14 for the sentencing hearing.
