Nigerian Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Killing of University of Toronto Student

Police say killing was planned as campus community reels in shock

A 28-year-old Nigerian man has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of a University of Toronto student near the Scarborough campus, Canadian police have confirmed.

The victim, Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old third-year student from India, was discovered with life-threatening injuries on the Highland Creek Trail on December 23. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene after receiving distress calls from the area.

At a press conference on January 7, police announced the arrest of Babatunde Afuwape, 28, who has now been formally charged with First-Degree Murder. Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe described the incident as “deeply tragic,” stressing that the victim was young, full of promise, and had his entire future ahead of him.

Investigators say there is no evidence indicating that the suspect and the victim knew each other. According to police, the killing is believed to have been planned and deliberate, although the motive remains unknown at this stage of the investigation.

The incident sparked fear and concern across the university community and nearby neighborhoods, particularly among students and residents who regularly use the Highland Creek Trail. Police have since reassured the public that the accused is in custody and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Authorities are urging anyone who was on the trail or within nearby campus areas on the day of the incident, or who may have had any interaction with the accused, to come forward and assist with the investigation.