Woman strangled, 2 men killed by crossbow and arrow, Toronto police say

Toronto police have revealed that a woman killed in a triple homicide last Thursday died of strangulation, while two men died of crossbow bolt and arrow injuries to theneck.

The bodies of the woman and one man were found in a garage and the body of the other man was found on the driveway in a Scarborough neighbourhood, police said on Monday.

Det. Sgt. MikeCarbonesharedresults from autopsies carried outSaturdayand revealed the cause of death for each homicide:

• The woman found in the garage died ofligature strangulation.
• The man found in the garage died of a crossbow bolt stab wound to the neck.
• The man found on the driveway died of a single arrowhead stab wound to the neck.

Brett Ryan, 35, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder on Friday. Police confirmed on Thursday that they had a suspect in custody whoalso had injuries.

A source with knowledge of the investigation said it's believed all three deceased are related to each other, CBC Newslearned last week.

• Crossbow deaths linked to suspicious package downtown
• Police evacuate Queens Quay condo over suspicious package

Officers initially responded to a report of a stabbing at around 1 p.m. ET Thursday onLawndaleRoad nearMarkhamRoad andEglintonAvenue East.

Police said they found a crossbow alongside the bodies and other things theysay may have been used as weapons.

Suspect's apartment investigated

Investigators also confirmed an evacuation in Toronto's downtown area after the discovery ofa suspicious package they said waslinked to the three deaths.

"During the time of this investigation a secondary scene was discovered," Carbone said. "This is an apartment associated to Mr. Brett Ryan,"Carbonesaid.

Police received a call about the package at the building near the intersection of Queens Quay and LowerSimcoeStreetaround 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.Carbonewould not specify what was found at the apartment.

"I would like to assure the public that at no time was there any danger to [anyone]," he said.

Police are looking to speak withanybody who has been in contact with Ryan,specificallyon the day the homicides took place.

"We certainly would like to speak to any of his co-workers," Carbone said. "We understand he may have attended a local university. If anyone has ever had any contact with this individual I would respectfully request they contact us."

Police are still investigating the two scenes connected to the crime, going through surveillance footage and speaking to witnesses.

"This investigation is very unusual," saidCarbone.

Anybody who has been in contact with Ryan is asked to contact Toronto police's homicide unit directly at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.