Toronto police have identified the American man who died after he was assaulted outside of a nightclub in Little Italy Saturday.
Julian Jones, a 26-year-old resident from Maryland who was engaged to be married, was at the Blnd Tger club on College Street with other American citizens for a close friend’s bachelor party when they were approached by a group of men outside of the club before 2:30 a.m., police said during an update Sunday.
As Jones and his friends tried to walk away, he got separated from them and that’s when police said he was assaulted.
Homicide squad Det. Rob North said Jones was punched in the face causing him to fall back and hit his head. North said the suspects then stomped on his head.
Jones died en route to hospital, North said, adding the attack was not provoked.
“Based on the witnesses we have spoken to, Mr. Jones did absolutely nothing wrong and unfortunately met his demise.”
READ MORE: American man killed while visiting Toronto for bachelor party: police
Friends have been reacting to the news of Jones’ death on social media.
“Yesterday I found out one of my Best Friends left this world. I was devastated, but that can never take away from the many adventures and memories we shared together,” Nick Thompson wrote on Facebook Sunday.
“I love you buddy, and you will never be forgotten.”
Meanwhile, investigators want to speak with seven to nine men who were last seen leaving south on Manning Avenue.
North said two men are wanted by police in connection with the assault.
WATCH: Two arrests made in College St. beating death of American man
The first suspect is being described as 26 to 27 years old with a slim build and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black top with black pants. The second suspect is being described as 26 to 27 years old with a “football player’s” build and a full beard. He was last seen wearing a black fitted top and black skinny jeans.
WATCH: Police still seeking suspect in beating death of Julian Jones
North said Sunday the investigation is proceeding at “a solid and rapid pace” after police received video showing the suspects and the group of males as well as witness statements.
“I’m asking you directly if you were not involved in any assault on Mr. Jones, but you were a part of that group, have some conscience, come forward and make yourself known to police,” he said, adding police will be releasing photos in the coming days of the group of men and the suspects.
“To those of you who participated in the assault of Mr. Jones, I also ask you to contact a lawyer and turn yourself into police … it’s a matter of time before we hunt you down and bring you to justice.”
Anyone with information is being asked to call police at 416-808-1400 or 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
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