Suspect in fatal Toronto stabbing has a history of violence, targeted victim because he was ‘alone’: police

Toronto Police give an update on the search for 24-year-old Anthony Steven Oliveira in connection to the fatal stabbing of a 36-year-old man in the east end.

Toronto police say a 35-year-old man who was fatally stabbed in the east end earlier this week was targeted because he was “alone and isolated,” as the search continues for the suspect, who investigators believe has a history of violence.

The stabbing occurred behind a plaza near Hillingdon and Danforth avenues, east of Coxwell Avenue, around 11 p.m. on Tuesday.

Det. Sgt. Henri Marsman said there was an “interaction” between two men that resulted in one getting stabbed up to 20 times.

“The victim was sitting down and had no chance to defend himself or flee,” said Marsman. He noted that it was not an ambush.

When officers arrived, they found the victim, Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane, lying on Danforth Avenue with multiple stab wounds. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died shortly after.

“I believe he was targeted because he was alone. He was in an isolated area, and there were no witnesses when this happened,” Marsman said.

Homicide investigators have since identified the suspect as 24-year-old Anthony Steven Oliveira. He is wanted for first-degree murder.

When asked if the suspect may have been looking to harm anyone that night, the detective sergeant said he did not want to speculate. He added that investigators do not know if the suspect knew the victim.

“I want to take this opportunity to assure the public that we are (diligently) working to determine the whereabouts of Mr. Oliveira and take him into custody,” Marsman said.

He shared that Oliveira is known to use public transit throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including in the regions of Peel, York and Durham, where he has family and acquaintances. Marsman said the suspect has been wearing a mask to disguise his identity.

“We’ve disseminated bulletins to all the transit agencies for their operators to keep an eye out for this gentleman,” Marsman said.

He urged Oliveira to contact a lawyer and then turn himself in.

Suspect also wanted in Oshawa

“I believe that this person does have a history of violence and we want to take him into custody as soon as possible to prevent any further incidents from occurring,” Marsman said.

Durham police are also looking for Oliveira in connection with an attempted stabbing that occurred in Oshawa on June 1.

According to Durham Regional Police, two people were walking in the area of Steeplechase Street and Windfields Farm Drive when a man walking in the opposite direction approached them.

As they passed each other, the man allegedly pulled out a knife and tried to stab one of the individuals.

He fled before officers arrived. Police said no physical injuries were reported.

Oliveira is wanted for assault with a weapon, possession of dangerous weapons and two counts of failure to comply with a probation order.

Marsman said Toronto police have been in contact with Durham police and are sharing intelligence information as they look for Oliveira.