Nation

Community Reels from Unthinkable Tragedy: 83-Year-Old Murdered in Horrific Attack

2025-06-03

Author: Sophie

In a shocking incident that has left the Pickering community in mourning, 83-year-old Eleanor Doney was fatally stabbed outside her home while tending to her garden last week. The brutal attack, described by authorities as unprovoked, occurred on May 29 at approximately 3 p.m.

Witnesses report Doney was peacefully gardening on Lynn Heights Drive when a stranger approached her and stabbed her several times without warning. Tragically, despite the immediate response and her transfer to a trauma center, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after.

Police acted swiftly, issuing shelter-in-place orders as they launched a manhunt for the suspect. Their efforts paid off when a 14-year-old boy from Pickering was arrested later that evening at around 8:30 p.m. without incident. Due to legal restrictions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identity of the accused cannot be revealed.

Doney’s family expressed their gratitude to the community for the overwhelming support during this devastating time. In a heartfelt statement, they said, “We especially want to thank the first responders for all of their efforts. We take comfort in the fact that she was a woman of strong Christian faith.”

Authorities have commended community members for their assistance in providing crucial information and footage related to this tragic case. They continue to urge anyone with even the slightest details to come forward.

In light of the youth involved, police remind the public that sharing identifying information or images regarding young offenders is illegal. Instead, they encourage the community to remember Eleanor Doney through positive remembrances and to pass any relevant videos directly to law enforcement.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Detective Barrette at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5412, or Detective Constable Hilliard of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5413. Anonymous tips can also be sent through Crime Stoppers.