Family issues statement following shocking killing of elderly Pickering woman

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The family of an 83-year-old woman killed during a shocking stabbing attack last week in Pickering is expressing their “gratitude” for the community’s “outpouring of love and support.”

In a statement released by Durham Regional Police on Tuesday, the family of Eleanor Doney also thanked first responders.

“We want to express our gratitude to the community for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time,” the family 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.”

Last Thursday, police said a passerby found Doney on the ground outside a residence midafternoon near Lynn Heights Dr. and Fairport Rd., in the Whites Rd. and Finch Ave. area, suffering from traumatic injuries. She was transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre where she was pronounced dead.

Following an extensive search, police said a 14-year-old boy from Pickering was arrested hours later.

On Friday, the teen was charged with first-degree murder. He cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

It is Durham Region’s second homicide of 2025.

Police say they are also reminding the public to not share any identifying information or photos about the alleged young offender as it is a criminal offence.

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“We are asking you to instead turn those videos over to police and use the social media space as a place to remember Eleanor,” police said.

Cops say investigators are appealing to anyone who may have information about this incident, no matter how insignificant it is, to come forward.

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