House fire that killed 84-year-old woman deemed a homicide: Toronto police

TORONTO — Toronto police say their homicide unit is investigating after an elderly woman was killed in a house fire over the weekend.

Police say emergency crews responded to a report of a residential fire near Avenue Road and Boswell Avenue just after 11 p.m. on Saturday.

They allege a suspect went to the house and set it on fire while the lone resident was inside.

They say the woman was found inside by firefighters and taken to hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Police have identified her as 84-year-old Giovanna Balestrieri.

Police have not released further details on the suspect, and anyone with information is asked to contact investigators.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2025.