Toronto police have launched a public search for a 33-year-old man who was found not criminally responsible for second-degree murder and is now considered an elopee. Authorities are urging residents not to approach him and to call 911 immediately if spotted.
Details of the Search and Subject
The individual being sought is Dylan Sherief, aged 33. The Toronto Police Service released his name and details on January 08, 2026. Police confirmed that Sherief had previously been found not criminally responsible (NCR) for a charge of second-degree murder. The circumstances under which he eloped were not immediately detailed in the initial alert.
Public Safety Advisory
Law enforcement officials have issued a clear warning to the public. They advise that if anyone sees Dylan Sherief, they should not attempt to approach him. Instead, witnesses are instructed to call 911 right away. The police service has not released information on where he was last seen or what he was wearing, indicating the search is in its early stages.
Understanding the "Not Criminally Responsible" Designation
In Canada, a verdict of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCRMD) means a court found that the accused was incapable of appreciating the nature and quality of their act or of knowing it was wrong due to a mental disorder at the time of the offence. Individuals found NCR are typically placed under the jurisdiction of a provincial or territorial review board, which determines their supervision, treatment, and potential release into the community based on risk assessment.
The search for Dylan Sherief underscores the complex balance between public safety, mental health considerations, and the justice system. The Toronto Police Service's public appeal highlights the urgency of the situation as they work to locate him.
