Police in Toronto, Canada, have made an arrest in the shocking murder of a young international student, charging a Nigerian national with first-degree murder.
Student Gunned Down Near Campus Trail
The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old third-year student at the University of Toronto. The tragic incident occurred on December 23, 2026, near the Scarborough campus. Authorities responded to a call about unknown trouble in the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Avasthi suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Arrest and Charges Announced
Following an intensive investigation, Toronto Police held a news conference on January 7, 2026. Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe announced the arrest of 28-year-old Babatunde Afuwape, a Nigerian man, who now faces a charge of First Degree Murder.
"This was a deeply tragic case," said Detective Sergeant McCabe. "Shivank was a young, bright student from India with his whole life ahead of him. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, classmates and everyone affected by his loss."
She praised the Homicide & Missing Persons Unit for their tireless work in identifying and locating the suspect responsible for what she described as a "senseless act of violence."
Motive Remains a Mystery, Community Reassured
In a crucial detail from the investigation, police revealed that the accused and the victim were not known to each other. Detective Sergeant McCabe stated their belief that this was a "planned and deliberate act" by Afuwape, but a clear motive for why Avasthi was targeted has not yet been established.
The killing caused significant fear among students, staff, and the local community, especially those who frequent the popular trail. Authorities moved to offer reassurance. "We want to reassure the community that the person responsible for this is in our custody," McCabe emphasized.
Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing to the public for help. They believe there may have been more people on the trail or campus that day who might have had an interaction with the accused. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Toronto Police Service.
