Toronto man pleads guilty to murdering neighbour over loud gospel music

Christopher Wood has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after stabbing his neighbour Etop Ituen 42 times. The attack took place on the morning of 27 July 2023 and was triggered by Wood’s anger over loud gospel radio music. Both men lived in buildings across from each other on Coxwell Avenue in Toronto. Wood resided at 131 Coxwell Ave, a facility run by an organisation supporting individuals with mental health issues. Ituen lived directly opposite at 126 Coxwell Ave. In the months before the stabbing, Wood had grown increasingly disturbed by the loud gospel radio played from a balcony at Ituen’s address.

On the day of the attack, Wood’s frustration reached a breaking point. He stabbed Ituen multiple times in a violent assault. During legal proceedings, Wood admitted to either intending to kill Ituen or cause him serious harm, showing reckless disregard for the outcome.

Both men had mental health struggles. Wood suffered from PTSD, depression, OCD, and substance abuse disorders, while Ituen was also a vulnerable individual with his own mental health issues. Two forensic psychiatrists later determined that a not criminally responsible defence did not apply to Wood’s actions.

Second-degree murder in Canada carries a mandatory life sentence. The Crown has proposed a parole ineligibility period of 14 years, within the standard range of 10 to 25 years. Wood is scheduled to be sentenced next month. The case highlights the severe consequences of unaddressed mental health struggles and the tragic outcome of a dispute between neighbours. The court will determine the exact parole ineligibility period during the sentencing hearing.