On Tuesday June 17th, 1997, in the early evening hours, Marthus STEPHEN ran to the Peanut Plaza located at 3070 Don Mills Road and entered the Don Valley Billiard Hall. At that time, he was being pursued by a group of males.
The manager called 9-1-1 to have the victim removed.
Constables from 33 Division attended and observed a group of persons outside the pool hall who were not misbehaving or causing a disturbance. The officers entered the pool hall and spoke with the management, who advised the officers of his wishes to have this man removed from the premises.
These officers then spoke with Marthus STEPHEN. He then exited the pool hall and went on his way without involvement from the persons outside.
At about 2300 hours, the victim was observed running southbound on Don Mills Road, being chased by a suspect riding a bicycle and at least two others who were in a newer model gold coloured vehicle, similar to a Honda.
Mr. STEPHEN ran to the rear of 2980 Don Mills Road where the suspects caught him and commenced an assault upon him.
Mr. STEPHEN made good his escape.
A few minutes later, a group of approximately ten suspects caught up with Mr. STEPHEN at the intersection of Nymark Avenue and Shaughnessy Blvd and began to beat the victim about the head and body. One suspect was armed with a baseball bat and the victim was struck on the head with the bat.
Numerous residents of the area called 9-1-1 to report this assault.
The suspects were observed leaving the scene in two vehicles, a red car and a green van.
Mr. STEPHEN was transported by Metro Ambulance to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
In September of 1997, Mr. STEPHEN was transferred back to his home country of St. Lucia in his unconscious state.
On Monday November 3rd, 1997, police were notified by the St. LUCIA Police that Mr. STEPHEN had succumbed to his injuries.
A Post Mortem was conducted on the victim in St. LUCIA and the cause of death was reported as Pulmonary Embolism due to a Head Injury.
On Monday November 3rd, 1997, as a result of Mr. STEPHEN’S death, the Homicide Squad became directly involved with this investigation.
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