Suspect in Eaton Centre shooting worked as part-time rec worker for city
Posted June 6, 2012 6:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – New details have emerged on the man accused of opening fire in the Eaton Centre food court on Saturday.
The City of Toronto confirmed Wednesday that Christopher Husbands, 23, was formerly employed by the city as a part-time recreation worker.
He started his employment with the city at the end of Nov. 2011 and his last day worked was May 18, 2012.
Husbands is facing one charge of first-degree murder and six charges of attempted murder in the mall shooting.
“This situation is deeply troubling to us all. We are offering staff, participants and their families access to counselling and support services,” said city manager Joe Pennachetti.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation and a comprehensive policy review to improve hiring procedures in Parks, Forestry and Recreation.”
“The City is cooperating fully with Toronto Police Services to support their investigation. Due to the ongoing investigation and confidentiality issues, further information is unavailable and cannot be provided at this time.”
The City of Toronto is one of the largest employers of youth in Canada. Click here to read the city’s youth employment and hiring practices.
The Toronto Sun reported he worked at the Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, located near Woodbine and Cosburn avenues, in the after-school recreation care (ARC) program.
According to the Sun, Husbands was working with the city even though he had drug conviction and was under house arrest for a 2010 sexual assault charge that’s still before the courts.
