TORONTO

Three more arrests have been made in the brutal murder of a 27-year-old man four years ago.

Days after arresting one man for Christopher Skinner’s slaying, Toronto Police said Friday three additional men were taken into custody and charged this week.

“I’m very pleased,” Det.-Sgt. Stacy Gallant said of the new arrests, adding he notified the victim’s family and “they’re happy with the progress.”

Skinner was heading home from the Entertainment District around 3 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2009 when he inadvertently brushed up against an SUV while trying to hail a cab at Adelaide St. E. and Victoria St.

A group of men allegedly jumped out of the SUV, viciously beat Skinner, then deliberately drove over him as they sped off.

After four years of dogged determination, Gallant announced last week that Agustin Alexander Caruso, 23, of Toronto, was arrested Nov. 6 for second-degree murder.

The veteran homicide investigator also revealed at the time that a black Ford Explorer, believed to be the “murder weapon,” had been seized.

And he vowed others involved would be caught and anyone helping them evade police would be prosecuted.

“I’m holding true to my word,” Gallant said Friday.

Jamaal Phillips Bond, 23, of Toronto, was arrested Thursday for assault causing bodily harm and obstruct police.

Nicholas Swaby, 23, of Toronto, was arrested Tuesday for assault causing bodily harm.

And Anthony Samuel, 24, of Toronto, was arrested Monday for conspiracy to commit indictable offence of aggravated assault and obstructing police.

Bond and Swaby were allegedly in the SUV that night and both allegedly participated in the beating that “preceded” Skinner’s slaying, Gallant said.

After consulting with the Crown, he said the decision was made to separate the physical attack from the homicide.

“Driving over him is what caused the death,” Gallant said, explaining why Bond and Swaby are not facing murder raps.

He said Bond is also charged with obstruction for allegedly making “attempts to assist in getting rid of some evidence.”

Samuel, who was not in the SUV that night, faces conspiracy and obstruction related charges for his alleged actions after the killing.

“It’s alleged he conspired to cause harm to one of the individuals in the truck after the fact, someone he believed was providing information to police,” Gallant said.

None of the accused have a history with police, he said.

“It’s not over,” Gallant said of the murder probe, hinting there may still more arrests.

Anyone with information should call the homicide unit at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).