One of eight teenage girls charged with second-degree murder of a 59-year-old Toronto man was granted bail.
The accused, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, must follow a series of conditions that include, among others, not contacting the other accused, not possessing weapons or cell phones, and staying within provincial boundaries.
He is also not allowed to use the Internet, with the exception of online learning, or leave where he resides, except to attend school.
It is unclear which of the eight girls were granted bail.
The other seven defendants, whose identities are also protected, will appear for a hearing on Jan. 5, 2023, when their bail hearings will be scheduled, likely for early February. A judge said Thursday that some of the teens are still in the process of hiring a lawyer.
Toronto police have said three 13-year-olds, three 14-year-olds and two 16-year-olds allegedly attacked and stabbed a 59-year-old man downtown in mid-December. He later died in the hospital.
Police have said they believe the teens congregated after meeting on social media and are from homes in the Greater Toronto Area.