Victims in crossbow murder identified

By News Staff and The Canadian Press

The victims of a recent triple murder in the city’s east end can now be identified.

Susan Ryan, 66, Christopher Ryan, 42, and Alexander Ryan, 29, were killed. A court-ordered publication ban was lifted Tuesday, allowing their names to be published.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross confirmed on Twitter that Christopher had worked at the TTC for 12 years as a station collector.

“On behalf of the entire TTC family, we offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Ryan’s family, friends and colleagues,” Ross said.

The TTC will lower flags to half-staff in his memory.

It is believed Susan Ryan is the mother of both Christopher and Alexander. They were killed at a home on Argo Road, near Eglinton Avenue East and Markham Road, on Aug. 25.

Property records show the bungalow where the incident happened is listed in the name of Susan Ryan. She previously co-owned the home with William Ryan, who records show died last year.

Warren Dalton, who lives across the street from the home, said Brett Ryan is Susan Ryan’s son


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Dalton said he was at home Thursday afternoon when another of Ryan’s sons came to his door, covered in blood. Police have said that person was treated and released from hospital.

“I carried him half into the living room and he fell onto the floor and he said call 911, my brother is bleeding on the driveway,” Dalton said.

“Make sure the police come, make sure the police come.”

Police said they were called to a home for a report of a stabbing around 1 p.m. last Thursday.

A woman found in a garage Thursday died from strangulation, a man found in the same garage died from a crossbow bolt to the neck and a man found in the driveway died from an arrowhead stab wound to the neck, lead investigator on the case, Det. Sgt. Mike Carbone said Wednesday.

He would not say whether the bolt and arrowhead were shot or used as handheld weapons, but he says a crossbow was seized at the scene.

Carbone, told reporters they were still trying to piece together a motive for the slayings and were asking for the public’s help for anyone who had contact with Ryan on Thursday morning before the killings took place.

Brett Ryan, 35, charged with three counts of First-Degree Murder. HANDOUT/Toronto Police

Thirty-five-year-old Brett Ryan of Toronto is charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

Ryan – who was also charged in 2008 with a total of 29 counts of robbery – is also charged with intent to commit a crime while disguised, and a weapons offence and is due in court Friday.

Toronto police are expected to release more details at a news conference later Tuesday.

Ryan is set to appear in court again on Friday.

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