2 teen girls charged in swarming death of unhoused Toronto man granted bail

Two more teen girls who stand charged with second-degree murder in connection with the swarming death of Toronto man Ken Lee have been granted bail.

Both girls, whose names cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, were released on bail Wednesday after hearings in a downtown Toronto youth court.

The teens had previously been denied bail two months ago, but were back before court for their bail to be reexamined. The reasons for that change cannot be disclosed due to a publication ban, but CBC News has learned through a memo sent by the provincial Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services that there was an "incident" at the facility where the girls had been staying.

Subsequently, all youth housed in that location have been transferred to another facility "until further notice, or until they are released from custody/detention," according to the memo.

Upon hearing the decision on her release after spending four months in detention, one teen broke down in tears in court Wednesday.

She was released with bail conditions, and will be staying with relatives in Ottawa, court heard.

The court has banned the girl from being able to communicate with her co-defendants and she's also not allowed to use a phone or social media. Internet access was granted only for her schoolwork, and that is to be done under the supervision of a family member.

Around 10 p.m. Wednesday, a second accused was also released on bail, her defence lawyer confirmed to CBC News on Thursday.

Eight teen girls, who range in age from 13 to 16, have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. Only one remains in custody.

Lee, 59, was pronounced dead in hospital after he was allegedly beaten and stabbed by a group of girls not far from a downtown Toronto shelter in the early morning hours of Dec. 18, 2022.