TORONTO: Toronto Police have apprehended a suspect in the fatal shooting of Shivank Awasthi, a 20-year-old international student from India, who was killed at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. The suspect has been identified as Babadunde Afuape, 28, a Toronto resident with a prior criminal record.
The tragic incident occurred on December 23 on the Highland Creek Trail, a popular wooded walking path frequently used by students and staff. Shivank, a third-year international student known for his academic excellence and active participation in cheerleading and fitness, was found with fatal gunshot wounds in what police are describing as a “random and senseless” act of violence.
A Predatory Attack
Investigators revealed that there was no prior connection between the victim and the suspect. Detective Sergeant Stacey McBae stated that the suspect appears to have entered the campus with the intent to kill, though the reason for targeting Shivank remains unclear.
“He was looking for a victim, and unfortunately, Shivank was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” McBae noted during a press briefing.
The suspect, Afuape, was reportedly out on parole for previous firearm-related offenses at the time of the shooting. He was initially taken back into custody on December 28 for violating his parole conditions before being charged with the murder of the student.
Campus in Mourning
The news has sent shockwaves through the university community, sparking fear and grief among the student body. In response, University of Toronto officials have significantly increased security measures, including heightened patrols and improved monitoring of campus trails.
Shivank’s death has also raised concerns regarding the safety of international students and the stringency of parole laws for violent offenders. The university is currently providing counseling services to students affected by the tragedy.
