Authorities have apprehended a 34-year-old man in connection with the tragic death of an 84-year-old woman in a devastating house fire that occurred last month in the Annex neighborhood.
The intense blaze erupted at a residence on Boswell Avenue, situated in the vicinity of Avenue Road and Davenport Road, at approximately 11 p.m. on November 15.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the elderly woman on the second floor of the house, unfortunately without any vital signs. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was later declared deceased.
The victim has been identified as Giovanna Balestrieri, an 84-year-old resident of Toronto. She resided alone in the house, with no other individuals present at the time of the fire.
While the woman’s demise was initially attributed to the fire, authorities shifted the case to a homicide investigation upon determining that the fire was intentionally started. Surveillance footage captured a lone individual approaching the residence before an explosion occurred, followed by the suspect fleeing the scene.
Expressing dismay over the incident, Det. Sgt. Grieve referred to the act as “tragic and senseless,” deeming it cowardly and deplorable.
After a thorough inquiry, law enforcement took Curtis Leander McLeod, a 34-year-old Toronto resident, into custody and charged him with first-degree murder.
As of now, it remains unclear whether there was any prior acquaintance between the victim and the suspect, or if the incident was a random occurrence.
Rabbi Meir Dubrawsky from the neighboring Yorkville Jewish Centre recollected encountering Balestrieri during his walks in the area, describing her as vibrant and lively.
The Rabbi expressed deep sorrow over the news, emphasizing the peaceful nature of Boswell Avenue and hoping for its continued safety and tranquility.
The Yorkville Jewish Centre cooperated with the authorities by providing security footage capturing the suspect’s presence.