Son Accused Of Killing Father In Crossbow Attack

Police have confirmed that the victim of a crossbow killing in a public library Thursday night was the father of the man accused in the brazen and bizarre murder.

Toronto Police allege the suspect shot his victim with a crossbow inside the Main Street Library around 4:20pm on December 2. The library, located on Main Street near Gerrard Street East, was packed with children and other patrons at the time.

“The relationship between the accused and the victim, it’s a father and son relationship,” confirmed P.C. Tony Vella.  “The accused is the son, the victim is the father, so the man allegedly killed his own father.”

Si “William” Cheng, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene, reportedly found with the arrow still in his back. A 24-year-old man was taken into custody a short time later on Phenix Drive, near Warden and Danforth avenues.

Zhou “Peter” Fang, 24, of Ottawa, has been charged with first-degree murder.

Fang appeared in court Friday and his case was remanded to December 8.

Former neighbours of the family say they had a history of violence. Police have confirmed with CityNews that Si Cheng was twice previously convicted of assaulting his wife in early 2000, serving time in jail for his crimes.  After his wife left him he lived as a recluse in the family home near Steeles and Bayview.  Six weeks ago he was evicted and moved into the Dixon Hall hostel on the Danforth.

Vella said it was the first time he’s seen a crossbow used as a murder weapon.

“This is a very unique case. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of something like this happening,” he added.

East end residents were shaken by the violence.

“It’s shocking, this close to home,” said Troy Ross, 39, who often frequents the library with his children.

“You don’t think of a crossbow as something for killing people, just as something for recreation.”

The library has been closed indefinitely.

According to the RCMP website, a licence or registration certificate is not required to own crossbows longer than 50 cm that require two hands to use.   They are legally sold in hunting shops across Canada.

The exact type of crossbow used in Thursday’s killing isn’t clear. 

It’s not the first time a crossbow has been used in an attack in Canada.

A 36-year-old Mission, B.C. man was shot in the forearm with an arrow from a crossbow in July.   His father was subsequently charged.

And Montreal police waited out a man holed up inside a house armed with a crossbow in December 2009.  The six-hour standoff ended peacefully.

With files from Canadian Press