A 62-year-old man who was one of five people assaulted in a series of violent attacks in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood is the city's latest homicide victim.
Police confirmed Tuesday that George Wass died as a result of foul play, as they issued another public plea for tips to solve the crimes.
Wass was attacked while he was smoking a cigarette on the porch of a rooming house near Queen Street West and Jameson Avenue on Friday.
Wass was taken to hospital and later released, but was rushed back to hospital after he collapsed in his suite at the rooming house Monday. He died later that day.
An autopsy revealed Wass died of blunt force trauma, police say.
Police say the man who assaulted Wass remains at large. Investigators believe the man is also responsible for attacking four other people in the area since Jan. 4.
The suspect targeted people with mental-health issues, police say.
He is described as five-foot-eight to six feet tall with a stocky build, and was last seen wearing dark clothing and a black balaclava over his face.
Meanwhile, police have set up a command post on Maynard Avenue at Leopold Street to solicit tips and investigate the assaults.
Anyone with information about the incidents or the suspect is asked to visit the command site or call police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
People can also submit tips via Crime Stoppers' website or the Toronto Police Service's Facebook page.
