Tragic Tale of Obsession: Toronto Man Admits to Poisoning Toddler in Pursuit of Love

Tragic Tale of Obsession: Toronto Man Admits to Poisoning Toddler in Pursuit of Love

A Fatal Attraction Turns Deadly

In a chilling turn of events, Francis Ngugi, a 47-year-old man residing in Toronto, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the poisoning death of a three-year-old girl, Bernice Nantanda Wamala. Ngugi, a refugee claimant from Kenya, had developed an unhealthy obsession for a woman named Zahra Issa. His attempts to command her attention led to him stealing a controlled substance, sodium nitrite, from his workplace and using it to poison breakfast cereal. This fatal act of obsession ended up taking the innocent life of Bernice and putting another child in the hospital.

Crossing the Line: From Infatuation to Obsession

Ngugi met Issa at an adult learning school. Despite her being married with a daughter, he became infatuated with her. This infatuation soon turned into an unhealthy obsession. Ngugi would often visit Issa’s home, bringing them food and offering to assist her. His love for her became increasingly possessive and jealous, leading to hostile behavior when his affections were not returned.

In his desperate attempt to get Issa’s attention, Ngugi stole sodium nitrite from his workplace, Griffith Foods. He was well aware of the substance’s harmful effects. His twisted plan was to make Issa sick by placing the sodium nitrite in her breakfast cereal. He knew both Issa and her child were at risk of consuming the poisoned cereal, yet he proceeded with his dangerous plan.

(Read Also: Sikh and Muslim Leaders in Canada Express Concerns, Call for Action on Sikh Leader’s Killing)

Unintended Victims: The Tragic Outcome

Little did Ngugi know that his plan would take an unexpected and tragic turn. On a night when Issa was taking care of Bernice, a three-year-old girl from the neighborhood, both children consumed the poisoned cereal. They were later hospitalized due to their rapidly deteriorating health conditions.

Bernice, unfortunately, could not be saved and succumbed to the effects of the poison. The other child managed to recover after four days of treatment. The Ontario Coroner’s Office initiated an investigation, and an autopsy confirmed the presence of the controlled substance, leading to Ngugi’s arrest.

The Ultimate Betrayal

Despite the tragic event and the ongoing investigation, Ngugi continued to deny any knowledge of the controlled substance. He continued to pursue Issa until she ended their relationship in May 2021. Ngugi was arrested in June 2021 and has since remained in custody. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 2.

(Read Also: Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre Questions Prime Minister’s Lack of Evidence in Allegations Against India in Hardeep Singh Nijjar Case)

A Grave Reminder

This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of how obsession can lead individuals down a dark path. It also underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, who often become unintended victims in adult disputes. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community mourns the loss of a young life and hopes for justice to be served.

Read More Breaking News