A third girl has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2022 swarming death of a man in Toronto’s downtown core.
The girl, who was 13 years old at the time of Kenneth Lee’s death, entered her plea in court Monday morning. A fourth girl is expected to enter her plea later on Monday.
Two other girls, who were 13 at the time, have since pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon.
The 59-year-old Lee was swarmed and stabbed just after midnight on Dec. 18 in the area of York Street, University Avenue and Front Street West. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
Eight teenage girls — three 13-year-olds, three 14-year-olds, and two 16-year-olds — were charged with second-degree murder in Lee’s death. Police said the teen girls met on social media and assembled in downtown Toronto.
The accused have not been identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) provisions because they are all under 18. The YCJA states that the fact that youth are still maturing must be accounted for in the prosecution of crimes. It also emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Lee’s family has previously spoken out against the protection provided by the act, arguing the law does not help victims or the public.
A relative described Lee as a “kind soul with a heart of gold.” Community members have said the quiet man from Hong Kong was trying to defend a friend before the attack.
With files from The Canadian Press