Jerome Stephenson appeared in court via video on Nov. 24. He faced nine charges of attempted murder, including aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a police officer after allegedly throwing his wife and two daughters from his fourth-floor apartment.
Police arrived at the high-rise apartment building at 550 Scarborough Golf Club Rd. around 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 after reports of injuries.
His two young daughters, one an infant aged eight months and the other a two-year-old toddler, were found conscious but with life-threatening injuries. After allegedly throwing them off his apartment balcony, he plunged from the balcony as well and attempted to grab a police officer’s gun before being arrested, police say.
According to reports there was smashed glass on the balcony and a large hole in one of the windows. Neighbours called the police after hearing the sound of glass shattering and a shrill scream coming from a woman.
The injured girls remain at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Their mother is currently being treated at Sunnybrook Hospital. They are expected to recover.
Stephenson was not hurt in his fall.
The 27-year-old accused appeared in court via video while he was still being held at the Toronto East Detention Centre. He was in an orange prisoner’s jumpsuit and appeared to look tired and weary.
He is still held in custody and will appear for a bail hearing again via video on Dec. 1.
Crown attorney Charmaine Wong said the case has simply been put over.
She also said that it is normal for murder cases to have numerous court appearances before the final trial date is made.
The court has approved a publication ban requested by the defense counsel to protect the identity of the children.