Man charged in Toronto crossbow killings is a convicted bank robber
A Toronto man charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the crossbow killing of three people Thursday has prior convictions for bank robbery.
Brett Ryan, 35, was arrested Thursday and made a brief court appearance Friday. He is being held in custody until his next court appearance on Sept. 2. He appeared in court wearing handcuffs and showed no emotion, only nodding when his lawyer spoke to him.
On Thursday, just before 1 p.m. ET, police responded to a call of a stabbing in the area of Lawndale Road and Knowlton Drive in suburban Scarborough.
Police arrived to find two men and a woman outside the home with life-threatening injuries. At least one victim was found on the driveway and two others were inside or near the garage. All three died at the scene.
Police have said they believe the victims sustained injuries from crossbow bolts, and a crossbow was found lying nearby.
Police have not released the victims' names.
CBC has confirmed that Ryan was arrested in June 2008 and charged with 29 offences, including robbery and disguise with intent. The charges were in connection with a string of bank robberies that had police describing the suspect as "the fake beard bandit."
The charges ended in multiple convictions, and Ryan was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail.
Property records show the bungalow where the killings took place is listed in the name of Susan Ryan. She previously co-owned the home with William Ryan, who, records show, died last year.