Suspect identified in killing of CBC producer Michael Finlay
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Published Feb 03, 2023 • Last updated 20 hours ago • 3 minute read
Investigators know who they are looking for in last week’s deadly attack on retired CBC producer Douglas “Michael” Finlay on the Danforth.
Now they just have to find the suspect.
When they do, Robert Robin Cropearedwolf will be charged with manslaughter.
Toronto Police Homicide Det. Jason Hillier announced at 55 Division on Friday and that a warrant has been issued for the 43-year-old suspect’s arrest.
This all stems from an incident on the Danforth at Jones Ave. on Jan. 24 when the well-known, highly-respected, award-winning former CBC producer was pushed from behind onto his face causing him to suffer major injuries.
When Finlay was rushed to hospital it was discovered one of the 73-year-old’s lungs had collapsed and he died a week later.
After waiting for autopsy results and reviewing video, police upgraded the charge from assault to manslaughter, much the same as they did with the similar situation last month on Yonge St., near King St., where an 89-year-old woman died after she was pushed to the ground by a stranger.
Hillier said police have been looking for the suspect in the area but so far have not been able to locate him.
“The public has been so helpful so far in helping us identify him and we are hoping that someone might be able to report to us where he is staying,” he said.
Hillier said while the allegation is that Finlay died after what police believe was an “intentional collision” between the two on the street, he is “hopeful’ now that the suspect knows the outcome “he will contact a lawyer and surrender because that is his best option.”
While police believe this suspect was a stranger to Finlay, he is no stranger to them. Cropearedwolf has been before the courts before after being accused in a jewelry theft case in which Toronto Police said in a 2017 news release more than $2 million was allegedly taken.
Now police are looking for help from the public to locate the Toronto man, described as 5-foot-6, 145 pounds, with a star tattoo on each elbow, and put him before the courts for the city’s fourth homicide of 2023 – the death of a talented man who spent 31 years at the CBC and was merely walking to his pub when he was violently attacked.
With so many random attacks lately, people are starting to wonder just how safe it is to go for a walk in Toronto anymore.
Mayor John Tory said he understands this worry and is working on solutions.
“This is a tragedy, there’s just no other word to describe it,” Tory said. “My heart goes out to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of longtime CBC radio producer Michael Finlay.”
“Every single time one of these incidents takes place, I feel a personal sense of responsibility for making sure that we do everything we can to keep our city safe, even if there is no perfect solution,” he added.
While there is no “magic” remedy, Tory said: “I’m doing everything I can so we can hire more police officers and 911 operators, so the city can hire more paramedics, and so we have outreach workers across our city every single day offering services and support to people who are struggling. I’m also working with other governments to try to address mental health and substance use crises across our city and country.”
He knows it won’t help Finlay but maybe the next person.
In the meantime, if you know the whereabouts of Cropearedwolf, call the Homicide unit at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
jwarmington@postmedia.com
Investigators know who they are looking for in last week's deadly attack on retired CBC producer Douglas “Michael” Finlay on the Danforth.
torontosun.com
