Charge upgraded to first-degree murder in stabbing of Toronto cancer researcher

TORONTO — Charges have been upgraded to first-degree murder against a 21-year-old man in the fatal stabbing of a cancer researcher and Toronto professor last month.

Calvin Nimoh was charged with second-degree murder shortly after 39-year-old Mark Ernsting was killed downtown on Dec. 15 during what officers have said may have been a failed robbery attempt. But that has now been upgraded to first-degree murder.

Ernsting, a biomedical engineer and adjunct professor at Ryerson University, died in hospital after he was stabbed during an evening walk near Church and Gerrard streets, close to the school’s campus.

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On Dec. 29, police announced that Nimoh and two women are now facing charges in connection with the robbery and stabbing of a 65-year-old woman that same evening.

Police say Nimoh, 24-year-old Tia Thompson and an unidentified teen stabbed the woman and stole her purse near Yonge Street and Summerhill Avenue at 7:45 p.m., shortly before Ernsting’s stabbing.

Nimoh is now charged with robbery, assault with a weapon and possession of weapon for dangerous purposes.

READ MORE: Cancer researcher out for ‘usual evening walk’ fatally stabbed in downtown Toronto

Thompson and the 18-year-old suspect, who cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are both charged with robbery, aggravated assault and possession of property obtained by crime.

Thompson also faces two charges linked to the Ernsting murder, accessory after the fact and obstructing a peace officer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers anonymously 416-222-TIPS (8477), online atwww.222tips.com, or by texting TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

With files from The Canadian Press