In a disturbing development that underscores the ongoing crisis of intimate partner violence, Toronto Police have launched an urgent manhunt for 30-year-old Marcel Lewis, wanted on serious charges including attempted murder following a violent domestic incident in the city’s west end.
The investigation began after officers responded to a call near Jane Street and Wilson Avenue shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday. According to police, Lewis allegedly assaulted a woman with whom he was in a relationship, inflicting injuries described by authorities as “serious but non-life-threatening.” The victim was transported to hospital where she received treatment.
“This case represents one of the most extreme manifestations of intimate partner violence,” said Detective Sergeant Maria Gonzalez of the Toronto Police Domestic Violence Unit. “The severity of the assault has led to the attempted murder charge, which reflects our commitment to treating these cases with the gravity they deserve.”
Lewis faces multiple charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault by choking, uttering threats, and failure to comply with release orders. The suspect, described as 5’9″ with a medium build and black hair worn in twists, is considered dangerous, and police have warned the public not to approach him if spotted.
Statistics from Canada News indicate that intimate partner violence accounts for nearly 30% of all reported violent crimes in the country, with women representing more than 80% of victims. The Canadian Women’s Foundation reports that a woman is killed by her intimate partner approximately every six days in Canada.
“What makes these cases particularly challenging is that they often escalate from patterns of controlling behavior that may have been present for months or years,” explained Dr. Karen Thompson, a specialist in domestic violence intervention who spoke with CO24 News. “By the time physical violence reaches this level, there has typically been a long history of psychological abuse and intimidation.”
Toronto Police have released multiple photographs of Lewis in hopes that public assistance will lead to his apprehension. They’ve established a dedicated tip line and are encouraging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact investigators immediately at 416-808-3100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Victim advocates emphasize that this case, while shocking, represents just one visible instance of a much larger social problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated domestic violence rates across Canada, with isolation measures creating what some experts have termed “a perfect storm” for abuse to intensify behind closed doors.
Resources for those experiencing intimate partner violence include the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 and the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre at 416-597-8808, both of which offer 24/7 support. Shelters across the GTA continue to operate with enhanced safety protocols despite pandemic challenges.
As this manhunt continues, how many more similar cases remain hidden in our communities, and what collective responsibility do we bear to recognize and respond to the warning signs of intimate partner violence before they escalate to such dangerous extremes?
