TORONTO — The trial of two teen girls charged in an alleged group attack on a homeless man began Monday with both teens pleading not guilty to second-degree murder.
One of the girls pleaded guilty through her lawyer to the lesser charge of manslaughter, but the plea was rejected by the prosecution and the trial is proceeding on a charge of second-degree murder for both.
The two girls, who are among eight accused in the death of Kenneth Lee, have chosen a trial by judge alone.
Police allege Lee, 59, died in December 2022 after he was swarmed and stabbed by a group of girls in downtown Toronto.
Eight girls between the ages of 13 and 16 were arrested shortly afterward.
Since then, three have pleaded guilty to manslaughter and one to assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm. All four have been sentenced to probation with no further time in custody.
A jury trial is scheduled in May for the remaining two girls, one for second-degree murder and the other for manslaughter.
None of the teens can be identified because they were underage at the time of the alleged swarming.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2025.
The Canadian Press
