‘Reluctant’ witnesses to deadly Toronto bar stabbing asked to come forward

Toronto police are asking two people who were “standing feet away” from 20-year-old Kiowa Wind McComb as he was violently stabbed outside of a bar in Toronto’s north end earlier this year to come forward and speak with investigators.

Police released photos of a man and a woman Friday who were at Gucci’s Bar and Grill, near Jane Street and Lawrence Avenue West, in the early hours of Feb. 9 when the stabbing occurred.

“I think these are individuals, for the time being, are reluctant to become participants. But they’re going to be participants in one way or another and I would just like them to just do it voluntarily,” Det.-Sgt. Gary Giroux told reporters.

READ MORE: Toronto police seek witness in stabbing death of Kiowa Wind McComb

McComb and his 23-year-old brother were found by emergency crews with stab wounds and both were taken to hospital. McComb lost “virtually all the blood in his body” and later died while his brother, who has recovered fully, was treated for serious injuries, Giroux said

Police said two suspects left the scene in taxi. Officers from 12 Division pulled over a cab in the area and one man was arrested. Police are looking for a second suspect who got out of the taxi before it was pulled over.

Andre Appleton, 35, of Toronto was charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder.

READ MORE: Man charged with second-degree murder in double stabbing outside North York bar

McComb was an Indigenous Youth Intern at the Royal Ontario Museum and was described as an “exceptionally promising young man.”

“Kiowa will be remembered as an emerging arts leader who inspired all those he met with his quiet determination and commitment to better his life, and the lives of others through education,” the ROM wrote on its website.

David Shum contributed to this report