Gay Bar Owner Murderer Arrested
The long-time companion of the owner of Toronto's oldest gay bar was yesterday charged with first-degree murder in his asphyxiation death almost a year ago.
Ivan Mendez-Romero, 36, had lived with Janko Naglic, 58, for about "eight or nine years" in a large home on leafy Balliol Street until Mr. Naglic was found dead in the residence in October, 2004.
Reports at the time said Mr. Mendez-Romero was still living with Mr. Naglic when the latter was killed, and that he placed a 911 call to police to report his death, but police yesterday would provide no information on whether any of that was true, saying they don't want to compromise the legal proceedings.
Detective Wayne Banks of the Homicide Squad would only confirm Mr. Mendez-Romero was arrested in the Eglinton and Warden area yesterday "without incident," although police had prepared for a high-risk takedown.
Det. Banks also thanked the community for their patience as the investigation progressed.
"We had tremendous support, especially from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community," he said.
Det. Banks said Mr. Mendez-Romero came to Canada from Cuba about ten years ago.
A group of Mr. Naglic's friends auctioned many of his belongings in April in order to raise money that was put up for a reward for information leading to an arrest in the case, but Det. Banks said no tips were provided that would cause the $50,000 reward to be turned over.
It was unclear last night what will happen to the reward money, though Mr. Naglic's friends donated some of the proceeds from the auction to charity last spring.
Mr. Naglic owned The Barn, a bar that had operated in the heart of Toronto's gay village since 1975. He is also believed to have had other business interests and owned property in Florida.
Mr. Naglic alleged this spring in interviews with Xtra! magazine and CBC radio that he was approached by an individual who said that his frequent liquor licensing problems could "disappear" for a fee of $40,000 upfront and $2,000 per week.
The businessman, who was originally from Slovenia, did not specify if the person who made the demands had any connection to the Toronto police.
Several Toronto police officers, including Bill McCormack Jr., son of former police chief William McCormack, are facing criminal and Police Act charges as a result of allegations of a shakedown scheme of downtown Toronto bars.
It is not believed that any of the charges are related to the allegations made by Mr. Naglic.
Mr. Naglic had lived on Balliol Street for about 20 years and his neighbours said at the time of his death that he was well liked and was seen regularly walking his dog. His partner was regularly observed driving a motorcycle in the neighbourhood.
"He was the nicest guy," Will Smyth, 18, said in October.
Mr. Smyth described Naglic as a "very social person" who often invited people to his home to watch movies.
http://www.canada.com/national/natio...1-e5d7830dce07
Michael, didnt you say you knew the guy who got killed and went to his bar in the past?
You have any local news stories on this?
Regards,
Lee
