A Markham firefighter who stopped off for tea after a night out with friends Friday was randomly attacked by a stranger, suffering wounds that ultimately killed him, according to a close friend of the victim.
Dominic Parker, a resident of Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood, was stabbed repeatedly in the face and head while out at Rotana Café, an establishment on Danforth Avenue, near Coxwell Road, at around 1:18 a.m.. He succumbed to his injuries the next day at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Police arrested a suspect Saturday afternoon and charged him with several criminal offences, including first-degree murder and two counts of carrying a concealed weapon.
Jay Michaels, a friend of Parker, told CP24 that the victim did not know his attacker “in any way.” Police said in a press release Monday afternoon that the attack was indeed “without provocation.”
Michaels said Parker is a well –known community guy who also enjoyed a career in the film industry and as a bike courier before becoming a firefighter four years ago. The night he died Parker was out with friends shooting a commercial and decided to stop for tea before riding his bike home.
“His motto was ‘live the dream’ and he truly was,” Michaels said.
In his final hours he was visited in hospital by about 150 of his closest friends and family members.
“Just left St. Mikes. As sad and upset as I am, I am even more angry at this senseless act,” said one friend named Fred on Facebook. “I can only ask myself why it is always the good ones?”
“Senseless loss is so difficult to comprehend,” wrote another Facebook friend named Kent. “My heart goes out to Dominic Parker's family at this terrible time. Dom was a great man, stand up person, talented and funny.”
Parker, who would have celebrated his 45th birthday this coming Saturday, leaves behind his wife of 23 years and their two daughters, ages 18 and 19. Funeral arrangements have been made for Friday morning at The Bridge in Markham. A memorial service will follow at the Balmy Beach Club at noon.
Meanwhile, suspect Nabil Huruy, 23, is expected to appear in court to face charges related to this case.
