UPDATE 2: 14-Year-Old Male Charged with First Degree Murder

The victim in last Thursday’s homicide has been identified as 83-year-old Eleanor Doney.

Please see the statement below issued by Eleanor’s family:

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

The Durham Regional Police Service would also like to extend our sincere gratitude for the cooperation of our community members in providing information and video surrounding the circumstances of this tragic event.  Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have information, even if you believe it is insignificant, to come forward.

The accused has been identified as a 14-year-old male from Pickering.  As a reminder to our community, please remember it is illegal to post photos or share identifying information about young offenders under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Sharing such images is a criminal offence.  We are asking you to instead turn those videos over to police and use the social media space as a place to remember Eleanor.

For those who may be struggling, Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) provides support to individuals impacted by crime or trauma. Services include crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals—free, confidential, and available to anyone in Durham Region. VSDR offers confidential support without judgement, available at www.victimservicesdurham.ca. They can also be reached at 905-721-4226.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Barrette at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5412 or D/Cst. Hilliard from the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5413.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

SECOND RELEASE SENT ON MAY 30, 2025

14-Year-Old in Custody After Female Killed in Pickering

ORIGINAL RELEASE SENT ON MAY 29, 2025

14-Year-Old in Custody After Female Killed in Pickering