Toronto police are actively searching for a suspect following a fatal stabbing in the city's Liberty Village neighbourhood on Boxing Day. The incident marks the city's 41st homicide of the year.
Details of the Boxing Day Attack
The violent altercation occurred on the snowy evening of Friday, December 26, 2025. Police were called to the area of Joe Shuster Way and King Street West, just east of Dufferin Street, at approximately 7:45 p.m. after reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers and paramedics found a man suffering from a stab wound. He was quickly transported by ambulance to St. Michael's Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Victim Identified, Suspect Description Released
At a news conference on Saturday, December 27, homicide investigator Acting Detective-Sergeant Munish Dhoum identified the victim as Marcel Cardiff, a man in his early 30s.
While no arrests have been made, police have released a preliminary description of a person of interest. Investigators are looking for a man described as approximately 5-foot-11 and wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.
"The investigation is ongoing and police are reviewing video gathered from security cameras in the vicinity," Dhoum stated.
City's Homicide Rate Declines
This tragic event is Toronto's 41st murder of 2025. This figure represents a significant decrease from the previous year, with homicides dropping by more than 50% from the 84 recorded in 2024.
Of the 39 homicides investigated by police so far this year (prior to this incident), the breakdown is as follows:
- 19 victims died from gunshot wounds.
- 13 victims were stabbed.
- 7 victims were killed by other means.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Cardiff's murder, the identity of the suspect, or relevant video footage to come forward. Tips can be provided to the Homicide Unit at 416-808-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
