Friends and family of Ken Lee, a 59-year-old immigrant from Hong Kong living in Toronto, say he died heroically while defending a female friend.
Lee, who was unhoused at the time of his death and living in the city’s shelter system, died on December 18, 2022, near Toronto’s Union Station. The city’s police disclosed his name earlier this week in a press release updating the public on his homicide investigation.
According to the police statement, Lee was allegedly assaulted and stabbed by a group of eight teenage girls.
Three 13-year-olds, three 14-year-olds and two 16-year-olds are facing second-degree murder charges in relation to his death.
The CBC interviewed the woman who was with Lee during the incident. She said the teens had attempted to steal a bottle of alcohol from her so Lee told them to leave them alone.
“He protected me,” she said.
After that, the girls allegedly “swarmed” Lee, punching and stabbing him repeatedly.
Police arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and rushed Lee to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Helen Shum, Lee’s sister, has started a GoFundMe page to help her family pay for Lee’s funeral costs and other expenses.
On it, she writes: “Ken was a kind soul. He would help anyone in need, whether a close friend or just an acquaintance. Last Fall, he was experiencing some bad luck and he left home determined to get his life back on track. We ensured that he knew we were always here for him and were waiting for him to return home. He wanted to resolve his issues independently, and we understood and respected his wishes.”
“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.”
