A 31-year-old Nigerian, Adimabua Chukwuka, is at risk of a life sentence after being charged with the first-degree murder of Mario Ferreira, a 60-year-old homeless man in Toronto, Canada.
Chukwuka was apprehended last Friday by officers from the Toronto Police Service’s 52 Division after a public tip-off led to his arrest.
Authorities alleged that he launched an unprovoked attack on Ferreira, resulting in the victim’s death.
The incident came to light on March 20 when University of Toronto Campus Safety officers discovered an unconscious man near 144 College Street.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Ferreira was pronounced dead.
Detective Trevor Grieve reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring justice and urged anyone with relevant information to step forward.
A photo of the suspect was released on March 21, which aided in Chukwuka’s swift arrest.
Security footage reportedly captured Ferreira lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent around 5:20 a.m. when Chukwuka allegedly picked up debris—possibly from a construction site or dumpster—and carried out a violent, unprovoked attack before fleeing.
Investigators are still analyzing footage and gathering evidence.
Under Canadian law, a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence, with a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility.
If found guilty, Chukwuka could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
