19-year-old accused of killing Toronto police officer appears in court from hospital bed

A 19-year-old charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a Toronto police officer last week made his first appearance in court Friday from his hospital bed.

Nicholas Bennett, from Toronto, appeared in court while lying down and attached to several tubes and wires, including one in his mouth. 

Police previously said Bennett was unconscious, but he was awake Friday morning. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition last week after an officer shot at him multiple times, according to the province’s Special Investigations Unit.

Bennett is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, after the shooting death of 43-year-old Toronto police Const. Marc Pinizzotto.

Justice of the Peace Vedanand Ramphal and Crown lawyers addressed Bennett over the call.

During his appearance, Bennett was unable to speak. At one point, Bennett was asked to give a thumbs up if he was able to hear and understand.  

Bennett’s eyes fluttered, but he had to be asked that question a second time before he raised his thumb, which the court accepted as him acknowledging the proceedings. 

At one point during proceedings, one of the officers in the room said Bennett was heavily sedated.

Bennett was officially taken into custody but will remain in the hospital, court heard. He is set to appear again on Monday to discuss the case.

Pinizzotto was shot on June 11 in the northwest end of the city while officers were conducting an investigation linked to several incidents involving firearms around the GTA, according to police, including a shooting at the U.S. consulate in March.

Another 19-year-old, Zara Jabbi, was arrested on Wednesday in relation to the consulate shooting. He is facing six charges, including discharge of a firearm at a place, attack on premises of internationally protected persons and theft of a vehicle.