HK immigrant killed in alleged attack by teen girls in Toronto

Canadian police have identified the homeless Toronto man who was fatally stabbed last month, allegedly by a group of eight teenage girls.

Toronto Police named him as 59-year-old Ken Lee, who was an immigrant from Hong Kong. Police previously said he had moved into the city's shelter system in recent months.

Lee died in hospital after he was allegedly swarmed and stabbed by the group of teenage girls in mid-December, police said. Three 13-year-olds, three 14-year-olds and two 16-year-olds are facing second-degree murder charges.

Police have said they believed the teenagers congregated after meeting on social media and are from homes across the Greater Toronto Area.

Three of the girls had previous interactions with police, while five did not. Authorities cannot identify them because they are minors.

One was granted bail last month, while the rest await hearings.

Lee had an elderly mother, while a relative of his, Helen Shum, said a crowdfunding on GoFundMe aimed to raise C$50,000 (HK$292,038) for his funeral and possible legal fees that may arise.

"This has destroyed our family and has completely devastated his elderly mother's heart. A mother should never have to bury her child," a statement for the crowdfunding read.

"Ken Lee was a beloved son, brother and uncle ... Ken died a hero and we are asking the community for support to help us give Ken the funeral that he deserves and any possible legal fees that may arise."

Investigators have said they think the girls were trying to take a bottle of alcohol from the man.

They also said the same girls got into an altercation earlier that night, taking part in a "swarming," which is unheard of among girls, according to Toronto Police Sergeant Terry Browne.

For a time decades ago in Toronto, young teenage boys would swarm people as they tried to steal Dr Martens boots or Air Jordan shoes, but this faded away, Browne said.

Police are asking victims to come forward after reports that the group of teenage girls randomly assaulted several people at five downtown subway stations on the same night Lee was attacked near Union Station.

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