Man wanted on manslaughter charge in death of CBC Radio producer Michael Finlay

Police have identified a man wanted in connection with the death oflongtime CBC radio producer Michael Finlay, who died after an alleged random assault in Toronto's east end in January.

At a news conference Friday afternoon, police said a warrant has been issued for 43-year-old Toronto manRobert Robin Cropearedwolf. He is wanted for manslaughter.

"Mr. Cropearedwolf ...I encourage you to speak to a lawyer and turn yourself in to the nearest police station," Det.Jason Hillier said.

Finlay died Tuesday from medical complications following the incident in Toronto's east end on the afternoon of Jan. 24. He was allegedly assaulted by a stranger as he walked along Danforth Avenue in the area of Jones Avenue, police say.

Police said in a news release that Finlay fell to the ground and suffered serious injuries as a result, and the suspect took off from the scene.

Hillier said police have no indication that Finlay and Cropearedwolfknew each other. He wouldn't share any specifics about what happened or the extent of the 73-year-old's injuries, but did say it appeared to be a "chance encounter."

Hillier saidFinlay was conscious when he was taken to hospital."We did speak to him," he said.

A post-mortem examination happened on Wednesday, at which point the homicide unit took over the investigation, police said.

Investigators say Cropearedwolfwas known to police. Court records show he was out on bail, having most recently been charged with assault with a weapon,mischief and breaking and entering last year.

Hillier also said that the communityhas been "outstanding" with providing security camera video and witness accountsto police, which havebeen "key" in identifying a suspect.

Now, investigatorsare asking anyone else with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

"If anybody has any information they would like to share with us, please be in contact with us," Hillier said."We want to hear from you. There is no such thing as an unimportant tip to us."

In an email this week to CBC staff, Cathy Perry, executive director of newsgathering and operations, said Finlay will be remembered as an exceptional storyteller, documentary maker and editor.

Finlay travelled the world to produce radio documentaries for a number of programs, including Sunday Morning.

"If you worked on a documentary with Michael, you were experiencing the pinnacle of the craft," Perry's email said.

Finlay's death marks Toronto's fourth homicide of the year, police say.