Toronto Stabbing Victim Fears for Safety as Attacker Released on Probation
Derek Dyckhoff, a 27-year-old Toronto resident, is grappling with renewed anxiety and fear after learning that the man who nearly killed him in a violent subway stabbing has been released from custody. Moses Lewin, convicted of aggravated assault for the attack that occurred on July 6, 2023, has completed his sentence and is now on probation, a development that has left Dyckhoff feeling vulnerable and unsafe in his own city.
A Terrifying Attack and Ongoing Trauma
The incident, which was captured in a viral video, shows Lewin stabbing Dyckhoff multiple times on a TTC subway train, resulting in severe injuries including punctured lungs and permanent damage to his hands and arms. Dyckhoff credits Toronto paramedics, police, and hospital surgeons with saving his life, but the physical and emotional scars persist. "I was stabbed multiple times," Dyckhoff recounted. "Some things have healed and others never will." His recovery has been arduous, with flashbacks making it difficult to use public transportation, which he now avoids whenever possible.
Release Sparks Safety Concerns
On Monday, Dyckhoff received a call from a probation officer informing him of Lewin's release. While court conditions prohibit Lewin from contacting Dyckhoff or coming within 100 metres of him, and ban him from Eglinton Station where the attack took place, these restrictions offer little comfort. Dyckhoff expressed disbelief that someone he perceives as a dangerous offender could be released so easily. "I am worried about someone coming for me as payback for someone having to go to jail," he said, highlighting his fear of retaliation and the possibility of encountering Lewin on the TTC system again.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
This case raises critical questions about the balance between rehabilitation and public safety in the justice system. Court documents noted that Lewin's stabbing coincided with the onset of schizophrenia in the late 2020s, suggesting a "pathway to rehabilitation" if he addressed his mental health issues. However, for victims like Dyckhoff, the focus remains on personal security and the adequacy of protective measures. "I admit I am paranoid about it," Dyckhoff admitted, emphasizing the financial and emotional distress he continues to endure.
As Dyckhoff navigates life with heightened vigilance, his story underscores the ongoing challenges faced by crime victims in urban environments. The release of offenders, even under probation, can reignite trauma and fear, calling for a reevaluation of support systems and safety protocols to better protect those affected by violent crimes.
