Police identify 83-year-old woman killed in seemingly random Pickering, Ont., attack

Police have identified the victim of a seemingly random fatal stabbing in Pickering, Ont., last week as an 83-year-old woman.

Durham Regional Police say Eleanor Doney died after she was attacked in the area of Lynn Heights Drive and Fairport Road around 3 p.m. on May 29.

Police have said she was found by a passerby and taken to a Toronto-area trauma centre where she was pronounced dead.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder in her death.

Police have called the incident a “sadistic and cowardly unprovoked attack.”

Doney’s family says in a statement issued through police that they are thankful for the support they’ve received in the aftermath of her death.

“We want to express our gratitude to the community for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We especially want to thank the first responders for all of their efforts,” the statement read.

“We take comfort in the fact that she was a woman of strong Christian faith.”

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact investigators.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025.

The Canadian Press