Homicide in Annex fire; police: ‘Cowardly and shocking act’

Toronto police have confirmed that a massive fire that killed an 84-year-old woman in the Annex–Yorkville neighbourhood on Saturday night was a deliberate act and is now being investigated as a homicide.

The incident happened around 11pm on Boswell Avenue. The fire was so intense that emergency services found the victim in critical condition on the second floor of the home when they arrived.

Victim: Giovanna Balestreri

Giovanna Balestreri from Toronto was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died shortly afterwards.
She is the 36th homicide victim in Toronto this year.

New images: Lone suspect, wearing dark clothing, a mask and gloves

Police say security footage shows a lone suspect entering the side of the home minutes before the explosion and the fire breaking out moments later.

Police statement

Detective Grieve said:

> “This is neither an accident nor a coincidence. We are dealing with a targeted attack.”

He called the act “cowardly and despicable” and said police were doing everything they could to identify the perpetrator.

Reaction from neighbours and the local community

Neighbours said Balestreri had lived in the house for many years and was a very outgoing, kind and energetic woman.

The Rabbi of the Yorkville Jewish Centre said he was “deeply shocked” to hear of her death, describing her as a “loving and full of life” person.

Investigation ongoing

Fire, police and forensic teams are still at the scene.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Source: CP24 / The Canadian Press