Allen Benn, 20, was a victim of a brutal murder in the crime stricken area of Jane-Finch, Toronto on April 2, 2007.

Biography

Allen Benn was born September 21, 1986 at Kumasi, Ghana to parents George Jojo Benn and Grace Benn. In 1994, Allen Benn migrated to Toronto with his mother and elder brother Oscar Benn in efforts for the two brothers to acquire a proper education. He attended St. Charles Garnier from 1994 to 2001 where he graduated in the spring of 2001. He pursued his brother's footsteps attending Westview Secondary School. In a school with a strong academic curriculum as well as athletic program it guaranteed Allen a successful high school career. Throughout his teenage years Allen Benn was arrested numerous times. Unfortunately when Allen's brother graduated from high school he encountered many challenges and difficulties, which led to him withdrawing from school. After a few years passed, he soon realized the necessity of a better path in life, so Allen became eager and determined to start school again in April 10, 2007. He was an avid soccer and basketball fan, he also learned to play the trumpet in elementary school but by Grade 10 he tried his hand at the baritone. He was well known amongst his friends as a 'joker' who liked to make people laugh.

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Murder

Allen was not able to complete school because while on his way home after having purchasing food for his little sister Collen Benn, Allen heard his name being called by someone and upon further inquiry Allen was lured into a tunnel at 8 Dune Grassway where he was stabbed. He received multiple stab wounds; incredibly, he managed to walk a couple of metres. He fell to the ground after a few minutes. Witnesses watched in disbelief as Allen lay there dying. After 30 minutes, a witness informed the police. When the authorities arrived they found Allen lying on the parking lot concerte suffering from trauma, with his mother comforting him. Allen was taken to Sunnybrook Hospital where he would succumb to his injuries.

Arrest

Police believe as many as six people where involved in the brutal slaying of Allen Benn. Witnesses reported seeing at least four suspects dressed in black attire in the parking lot during the incident. On May 8, 2007, police conducted two early morning raids and picked up four suspects and charged them with first-degree murder. Charged were Shawn Blake, Mackel Peterkin, both 18, and two youths who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police are looking for a least two more suspects. During court one of the alleged killers confessed about killing Allen but insisted he was not the intended target.

Warning signs

Police believe that the slaying of Allen Benn was a premeditated crime and that he received multiple death threats from local gang members prior to his murder. It has been speculated that one of the suspects was trying to rob Allen. When Allen refuse to give up his possessions, a fight ensued where the suspect drew a knife and stabbed Allen repeatedly. It is not known if the other suspects where invloved in the murder but police say they were present during the crime.