michael finlay cbc

Toronto police arrest suspect in random attack that killed former CBC journalist

A suspect wanted in connection with the death of a long-time CBC journalist has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after turning himself in to the police on Tuesday. 

Former CBC radio producer Douglas (Michael) Finlay, 73, was walking along Danforth Avenue near Jones Avenue on Jan. 24. An unknown assailant shoved Finlay to the ground, leaving him with serious injuries, and fled the scene. 

Although he was released from the hospital following the crime, Finlay died on Jan. 31 after his health continued to deteriorate as a result of the injuries he sustained from the attack. 

A few days later, Toronto police announced that a warrant had been issued for Toronto resident Robert Robin Cropearedwolf, 43. 

On Tuesday, Cropearedwolf turned himself in to the police at 52 Division and was charged with manslaughter

Police say Finlay and Cropearedwolf were not known to each other, and it seems as though the incident was a random attack.

Finlay was a respected documentary maker, storyteller, and editor, and had worked for CBC for 31 years before retiring in 2010. 

"He travelled the world producing radio documentaries for several programs but most notably for Sunday Morning," CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson said in a statement. "If you worked on a documentary with Michael, you were experiencing the pinnacle of the craft."

Lead photo by

Toronto Police Services 


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Canadians can get gift card in Ticketmaster class action and here's who is eligible

Here's what the new Bank of Canada interest rate cut means

2025 declared 'the year of digging' for $27 billion Ontario Line

Here's why one guy kept making Avatar references at Toronto City Hall meeting

Locals impatient about Toronto venue under repair for ages with no end in sight

Lawsuit filed after deaths of Toronto mother and son on trip to Dominican Republic

Controversial Toronto project will make traffic even worse than initially thought

Ontario Child benefit can get parents almost $1,700 per kid every year