Scarborough homicide victim, 82, had 'obvious signs of trauma': police

Police say that "a vibrant 82-year-old" woman who was found dead inside her Scarborough home on Wednesday suffered some type of trauma before she died in what homicide investigators are calling a random incident.

Officers responded to a call for unknown trouble at 68 Elfreda Blvd., in the Birchmount Road and St. Clair Avenue East area, on Wednesday afternoon. Inside, they found the victim dead and her body showed "obvious signs of trauma," according to homicide Det. Shannon Dawson.

Police have identified the victim as Stella Tetsos, a widow, mother and grandmother, and are treating her death as a homicide.

"We have no reason to believe that this was targeted," Dawson told reporters outside the home on Thursday afternoon.

The victim also appears to have been robbed. Investigators have confirmed that one item was removed from the home and believe that other items were also taken.

Dawson would not offer specifics about the items.

Dawson described the victim as "a vibrant 82-year-old" who was "an important part of this community." She was well-known to neighbours, and was often seen gardening outside her home, she said.

The victim was found after someone who was concerned about her wellbeing went to her home to check on her, Dawson said. She would not say how the victim died or where in the house she was found.

Neighbour Maza Janjanin called Tetsos's death "really disturbing."

"A woman in her own home at that age," she said through tears.

Neighbour Marissa Corpus described Tetsos as "very friendly" and helpful to people on the street.

"It's just very tragic for all of us," Corpus said.

Dawson characterized the incident as "random," and advised residents to have "heightened awareness of their surroundings."

Investigators have canvassed the neighbourhood and are collecting video surveillance tapes, Dawson said. She urged anyone who saw anyone enter or leave the home between Nov. 9 and Nov. 11 to call police.