Brother of alleged victim of Bruce McArthur calls for public inquiry

By News Staff

The brother of Selim Esen was in Toronto Friday for the court appearance of Bruce McArthur, the man accused of killing Esen and seven other men.

Omer Esen came from England to attend court and to put pressure on authorities for a public inquiry into the handling of missing persons cases. He said he would also attend the Pride Parade.

“We wish to express our thanks to the LGBT community, other victims’ families and friends for … putting pressure on authorities for a full investigation on the case,” he said in a letter to the media.

“As yet we have more questions than answers. It is deeply worrying to see that it took years for the authorities to act upon the cases of missing persons reports.”

Esen said his younger brother moved to Canada in 2013 to marry his boyfriend and settle down. He went missing just days after completing a counselling course.

“He was very friendly, kind-hearted, open, independent-minded and curious, passionate about learning new things, gardening, exploring new places and meeting new people,” Esen said.

“As Selim’s brothers we find it hard to come to terms with our youngest brother’s death. He was too young to leave us.”

Esen said he will meet with police on Friday and believes there should be someone to represent the victims.

He said police may release his brother’s body to the family in September.

McArthur was first arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder on Jan. 18 in connection with the disappearance of Selim Esen and Andrew Kinsman. Both were reported missing from the Church and Wellesley streets area at separate times last year.

During the brief court appearance, the prosecution said it has now turned over all its evidence to the defence so McArthur’s lawyers can begin compiling their list of witnesses.

His next appearance will be on July 23rd.

There will be a moment of silence held for the alleged victims of McArthur during the Pride Parade on Sunday at 3 p.m.

 

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