A Toronto teacher has been killed in what is believed to have been a violent robbery in Costa Rica.
Bruce McCallum, 58, who worked at Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, near Finch Avenue East and McCowan Road, was fatally stabbed on Sunday, March 5 in what appears to be a botched robbery attempt, according to that country’s Judicial Investigation Police.
At the time of his death, McCallum was reportedly snapping photos of a sunrise in the town of Puerto Viejo. When his body was found around 4:30 a.m., his camera and other belongings were gone.
McCallum had been travelling in Costa Rica with a group of tourists since Feb. 19.
Investigators said they have video footage of two teens confronting the educator.
In a letter sent home to parents, Albert Campbell principal Carol Richards-Sauer wrote McCallum taught math last year and was on a scheduled leave of absence.
He was a “positive role model” with an inspiring energy and work ethic, she wrote.
“Bruce will be sorely missed,” she added. Counselling has been offered to students and staff, and a memorial is being planned.
Police have made no arrests.
Agencies/Canadajournal