Toronto cop says victim of deadly Danforth stabbing 'had no chance'
The hunt is on for Anthony Oliveira, who has a history of violence and is believed to have stabbed Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane 20 times
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A Homicide investigator says the 35-year-old man stabbed to death Tuesday on the Danforth “had no chance to defend himself or flee.”
Toronto Police Det.-Sgt. Henri Marsman spoke to reporters on Friday afternoon and revealed the latest details of the investigation into the city’s 16th murder of the year.
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Toronto cop says victim of deadly Danforth stabbing 'had no chance' Back to video
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Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane, was found around 11 p.m. suffering from “numerous stab wounds” near Danforth and Coxwell Aves., Marsman said, explaining the man lived in that area.
The victim, who was stabbed as many as 20 times, was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police subsequently identified Anthony Steven Oliveira, 24, of no fixed address, as a suspect and said he is wanted for first-degree-murder.
“It doesn’t look like there was a dispute,” Marsman said Friday. “The victim was sitting down and had no chance to defend himself or flee.”
“We allege the suspect and the victim were involved in an interaction in a plaza in the area,” he said. “We believe the suspect targeted the victim because he was alone and in an isolated area.”
“At this time, we don’t know if they knew each other,” the investigator added.
Marsman urged anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts, as well as witnesses to the stabbing or anyone with video that could help investigators, to come forward to police.
“Mr. Oliveira is known to use transit through the greater Toronto region, including Durham, York, Peel, and he’s been seen wearing a mask on numerous occasions to disguise his identity,” Marsman said.
“If you believe you’ve located him, do not approach – call 911,” he warned. “We believe that this person does have a history of violence and we want to take him into custody as soon as possible to prevent any further incidents from occurring.”
Marsman said investigators have reached out to Durham cops, because Oliveira has family in that region, as well as other police services in Ontario.
Police have also sent bulletins about Oliveira to all transit agencies in case operators spot him.
“We know how concerning this information can be to members of the community,” Marsman said. “I want to take this opportunity to assure the public that we are diligently working to determine the whereabouts of Mr. Oliveria and take him into custody.”
“Mr. Oliveira, if you’re listening to this, please contact a lawyer and turn yourself in,” he added.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Homicide Unit at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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