Alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur has been charged with one additional count of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Skandaraj “Skanda” Navaratnam. McArthur is now facing six charges of first-degree murder. Police say they still believe that there are other victims who have not yet been located.
Here is the most recent report from local station CP24.com
“We have no idea,” Idsinga said when asked how many more victims there may be.
The 66-year-old landscaper was facing five counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Andrew Kinsman, Selim Esen, Majeed Kayhan, Soroush Mahmudi and Dean Lisowick but police have repeatedly said that they anticipate laying further charges in the case.
The additional murder charge comes two weeks after police revealed that they recovered the remains of six people in as many as 20 large planters at a Leaside home connected to McArthur.
In the interview with CP24, Det. Sgt. Hank Idsinga describes the McArthur homicide investigation and charts its path. The clip is about 26 minutes long but elaborates on why this case is so different from many.
Speaking on Friday, Idsinga invited scrutiny of the investigation into McArthur.
“If people want to look at what we’ve done, then I welcome that.”
He told CP24 after the news conference that he and his fellow investigators were bound by their profession not to engage in speculation when members of the gay community started to express concern that a serial killer was on the loose.
“It’s not something we were ignoring or disregarding,” Idsinga said of the sentiment in his team before any arrests were made, adding it was only in Nov. 2017 that police came across any evidence that suggested one of the victims, Kinsman, was murdered.
“We are thinking the same thing, is it possible that there is a serial killer? But it would be reckless of us and erroneous of us to stand out there and say ‘there are three missing men, so obviously there’s a serial killer.’ I can’t say that but the community can say that.” – CP24.com
For now, police continue to explore other properties around the GTA that have been linked to McArthur or his landscaping business.
McArthur is scheduled to appear in court next at 9 a.m. on Feb. 28. Police tell CP24 McArthur is on suicide watch as he is held at Toronto South Detention Centre.
Reflecting on the case to date, Idsinga said McArthur fit no established profile of an accused serial killer. He was older than most serial killers, he wasn’t a loner. He has grandchildren.
“It’s scary isn’t it? It’s someone who’s blending in to the community. He seemed to know everyone in the community. It’s a grandfather; it’s what you said, a mall Santa, and a good neighbour.”
“It should give you a little bit of insight into why it’s so hard to catch these guys.” – CP24.com