A man found lifeless in a pool of blood last Wednesday morning in an alleyway between Graduate House and Sussex Ave. died by his own hand, say police.
A post-mortem examination conducted by Metro Police concluded the man, in his 20s and wearing jeans and sneakers, died due to “sharp force injuries, self-inflicted.” The identity of the victim will not be released. The deceased was reported not to be a U of T student and was known to police. The case has been transferred from the Homicide Squad to 52 Division officers, who will continue with any follow-up investigations.
The body was discovered early last Wednesday morning by a Sussex Ave. resident who was walking her dog in the alley, which runs behind her house, parallel to Huron St. She called police, who arrived at the scene later that morning.
Exclusive photos of the crime scene obtained by a Varsity photographer show that the victim was lying on his back on a bed of leaves, neatly parallel to and between a fence and a fallen telephone pole. Blood was visible on his face and was pooled behind his head.
Since the body was removed, a small shrine has been placed in the alley, beside the still-bloodstained asphalt, consisting of flowers, candles and an apple.
Police officers qualified to speak about the matter could not be reached by press time.
