Third GTA man charged in connection with deadly Wasaga Beach stabbing
Ontario Provincial Police have now charged a new suspect with murder in connection with a deadly stabbing in Wasaga Beach on Sunday, and downgraded charges against two other men, all from the GTA.
Huronia West OPP issued a release Wednesday, stating it charged 25-year-old Micha Duran of Brampton with second-degree murder in the death of Mustafa Khaleel.
"Interviews have been conducted and evidence reviewed. Because of all the hard work, we were able to piece together what so tragically occurred on Sunday the 13th and have identified the person responsible for the stabbing of Mustafa Khaleel," OPP Detective Inspector Martin Graham told CTV News.
According to police, Khaleel, 23, was found dead on Beach Area 1 with stab wounds. OPP Detective Inspector Martin Graham said there was no evidence the victim knew his alleged killer but said the violence wasn't random.
"It seems to have occurred between two groups of people that happened to be on the beach late on the evening of Saturday into Sunday," Graham explained.
Roughly 30 people were on the beach at the time, but police said it's unclear how many were involved in the deadly altercation.
Police said two other people were injured in the fight. They were treated and released from the hospital.
Police also said the murder charges against a 21-year-old Etobicoke man and a 25-year-old Brampton man had been withdrawn. The OPP said each is now charged with one count of assault with a weapon.
"Two previous persons, a twenty-one-year-old and a twenty-five-year-old, two adult males who had previously been charged with second degree murder in this case. They had their charges withdrawn in the Ontario court of justice in Barrie today. They were subsequently charged with assault with a weapon, each one count. And they were released on conditions," Graham outlined to CTV News.
Both were released from police custody following a court appearance.
"The evidence supported the charges as is being laid in this case to this point. While unusual to withdraw charges it felt necessary when the evidence that was previously had did not meet the standard required," Graham clarified.
Duran has been remanded into custody following his first court appearance on Wednesday.
The OPP credits the help from the public to help find those responsible in this case. "As with any investigation the identification of witnesses and those persons having information in any crimes is vital to the solving and bringing to a successful conclusion to any investigation and this is no different. Members of the public have come forward in addition to video that has been provided to us by the town of Wasaga Beach have aided greatly in identifying what happened in this incident," Graham said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.