Cyclist fatally stabbed after 'targeted' hit-and-run in Little Portugal, homicide detectives say

A 17-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder and police are searching for two more suspects in connection with the death of a cyclist in Little Portugal late Saturday afternoon. 

The victim, identified as Aaron Rankine-Wright, 19, was struck by an SUV and then stabbed around 5:30 p.m. in a laneway behind a school at Frankish and Sheridan avenues, near Dundas and Dufferin streets. He was on his way to work, homicide Det. Sgt. Mike Carbone, the lead investigator, said at a news conference Sunday. 

Carbone said the vehicle, a black Toyota RAV4, hit a tree after striking the cyclist. Its occupants, three males in dark sweatshirts and sweatpants, jumped out of the vehicle and repeatedly stabbed Rankine-Wright before fleeing the scene on foot. 

Police arrived on scene to find the cyclist unconscious and not breathing, with witnesses  performing CPR on him.

Rankine-Wright was taken to a trauma centre in life-threatening condition and later died of his injuries. A post-mortem examination revealed that he died from a stab wound to the chest.

Chris Grayer, who said he knew Rankine-Wright, described him as a "good kid, who loved to wrestle and football, he plays."

Grayer added that he was an amateur wrestler who taught his nephew the sport.

Carbone said the trio "targeted" the victim. 

One of the suspects was arrested by police late Saturday. He was scheduled to appear in court today.

Homicide detectives are appealing to the public for help in identifying two other suspects. They are both facing first-degree murder charges, said Carbone. 

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is asked to call police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.