Man Awaits Sentencing After Stabbing TTC Rider, Victim Critical

UPDATE: A 27-year-old man faces sentencing after a brutal stabbing on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway left his victim severely injured. Moses Lewin sat in a downtown courtroom Wednesday, awaiting his fate following a shocking incident that unfolded on July 6, 2023, at Eglinton Station.

Lewin, who represented himself in court, has been in custody since his arrest the day after the attack. The victim, Derek Dyckhoff, suffered life-threatening injuries and required emergency surgery, including the removal of his spleen. This incident sent shockwaves through the community, with many riders fleeing in terror as the violent confrontation erupted.

Court documents reveal that Lewin was listening to music loudly on a subway train when Dyckhoff asked him to lower the volume, leading to a heated exchange. After a brief confrontation, Lewin pulled out a knife and stabbed Dyckhoff multiple times, even as the victim pleaded, “I’m going to die.” A subway conductor activated the emergency alarm, and fellow passengers rushed to assist Dyckhoff until help arrived.

Lewin calmly exited the train, discarding the murder weapon, which was later recovered by a TTC custodian. DNA evidence linked Lewin to the knife, and police also found Dyckhoff’s blood on Lewin’s shoes. Lewin had been under a release order with conditions prohibiting him from carrying weapons and being at Yonge-Eglinton Station.

The situation escalated further when Lewin fled from police, but community members helped locate him, leading to his arrest. He has a troubling history, with multiple outstanding charges, including theft and resisting arrest.

Crown attorney Kate Matthews is seeking a prison sentence of five years minus time served. A pre-sentence report indicated that Lewin’s mother reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia during high school. However, Lewin denies having mental health issues and has shown no remorse, raising concerns about public safety if released.

The court, presided over by Ontario Court Justice Katrina Mulligan, is scheduled to hear sentencing submissions in January. As this case develops, the community remains on edge, reflecting on the harrowing experiences of those involved and the urgent need for safety in public spaces.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers within urban transit systems, underscoring the importance of vigilance and community solidarity in the face of violence. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.