Murder trial underway for Liberty Village death
Toronto man denies involvement in 2023 death of filmmaker Reeyaz Habib, whose body was found in apartment complex trash compactor.
A Toronto man accused of murdering his neighbour testified in court Friday that he had nothing to do with the death, marking a critical moment in a case that has gripped the Liberty Village community since summer 2023.
Khoa Tran faces second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of filmmaker Reeyaz Habib. On June 8, 2023, Habib's decomposing body was discovered wrapped in blankets and duct tape inside the trash compactor of a townhouse complex on Western Battery Road. Tran lived in the unit directly below Habib.
Tran was initially arrested and charged with indignity to a human body and obstruction of justice before the murder charge was laid. His testimony Friday denying any involvement represents the defence's central claim in the case.
The death stunned the close-knit Liberty Village neighbourhood, raising questions about safety in residential complexes and the circumstances surrounding what authorities have treated as a homicide. The trial is expected to continue as prosecutors present their case.
The outcome will be watched closely by residents of the area, where such violent crimes remain uncommon.