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An 84-year-old woman who perished in a Toronto house fire was the victim of a “cowardly and deplorable” arson, according to a Toronto Police detective.
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“We have determined this is an arson investigation with a criminal component to it, as a result we are treating this as a homicide,” said Det.-Sgt. Trevor Grieve on Monday.
‘Senseless act’
“If I’m going to be candid, this was a tragic and senseless act,” he added. “In fact, cowardly and deplorable come to mind. This female was home alone and we are going to do everything we can to find the individual who is responsible for that. I think it’s too early to speak to motive.”
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Police alleged that a suspect set fire to Balestrieri’s house while the senior was alone inside at the time.
The elderly woman, who lived by herself, was found on the second floor of the home by firefighters and taken to hospital where she died from injuries.
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Cops have video
An autopsy shows she died from the blaze and there were no pre-existing injuries.
One big clue has been found in some video obtained by police.
“That video shows a lone suspect approaching the house Saturday evening,” said Grieve.
“They are observed going down to the side of the house. There is then an explosion and a fire which occurs and that suspect then flees the scene shortly thereafter.”
Grieve said the video footage of the suspect wouldn’t be released as “it’s just not quality enough at this point in time to release something that will aid our investigation. The suspect is simply wearing dark clothing.”
INVESTIGATORS ON SCENE
The Ontario Fire Marshal and investigators from Toronto Fire Services are taking part in the investigation.
“I do anticipate they will be here for the next couple of days as they finish their investigation and forensic examination, along with our forensic identification services,” said Grieve.
Enbridge Gas also attended the scene to help shut off the gas.
He said homicide investigators have been knocking on doors and receiving cooperation from area residents as they look for witnesses or more video.
This is Toronto’s 36th homicide of 2025.
“I would like to extend our deepest condolences to her family as she does have family that are enroute to Toronto from outside of the GTA area,” said Grieve.
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