Femicide List 2016/2017

From November 26^th, 2016 to November 25^th, 2017, Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Housing (OAITH) has documented 32 women in Ontario who lost their lives as a result of femicide. 

Femicide is commonly defined as the intentional murder of women because they are women.

Although the reported number of femicides within this year is 32, the actual number is believed to be much higher, due to the failure on the part of the media to accurately report on the issue. As such, our list of femicide in Ontario, as it is reported on in the media, is only partial.

To learn more about femicide, please visit our Facts about Violence page.

 

List of women murdered in Ontario

November 2016 – November 2017

 

Section 1: Intimate Partner Femicides (IPF)

 

1. Tammy Avery

Age 39

Murdered on November 14^th, 2017 (Sturgeon Falls West Nippising)

Tammy was known as someone who saw the positives in all situations she encountered. She was a mother, a daughter and a friend. She had a beautiful soul that will never be forgotten. Her boyfriend has been charged with first-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Unknown

2. Wendy Boland

Age 63

Murdered on May 26^th, 2017 (Bracebridge)

Wendy was an active member in the community and a known dog lover. Wendy was described as a happy and kind-hearted community member and will be remembered fondly by her family and friends. Her husband 67, has been charged with first-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Gun shot

3. Rosalyn Boyce

Age 30

Murdered on August 6^th, 2017 (Wapekeka First Nation)

Rosalyn’s friends and family described her as having a beautiful soul. Rosalyn of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation was found dead in her home.  Her community was very saddened from her death. Rosalyn’s husband, 34, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Unknown

4. Weqiong Du-Sun

Age 46

Murdered on June 28^th, 2017 (Leamington)

Weqiong was an entrepreneur, and owned a restaurant with her husband. Weqiong’s murder was shocking to her community. Her husband, 51, has been charged with first-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Unknown

5. Elana Fric-Shamji

Age 40

Murdered on December 1^st, 2016 (North York)

Elena was a family physician. She was described by colleagues and friends as being family-oriented, and humorous. She is survived by her three children, and will be remembered as a beacon of light in her community. She was murdered in her family home, just days after filing for divorce. Her husband has been charged with first-degree murder.  He had a previous history of violence against Elana.

Cause of Death: Strangulation and blunt-force trauma

6. Arianna Goberdhan

Age 29

Murdered on April 27, 2017 (Pickering)

Arianna is remembered by friends and family as a beautiful young woman. Relatives are heartbroken over the death of Arianna.  She had been married for 6 months, and was 9 months pregnant at the time of her death. Her husband, originally charged with second degree murder, has now been charged with first-degree murder. She will be missed dearly by her friends and family.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

7. Angela McAdorey

Age 39

Murdered on February 10^th, 2017 (St. Catherine’s)

Angela was a devoted mother to her two young daughters, who were her passion. She was known for sharing her love of reading, baking and crafting with her daughters. Angela sought adventure and loved the outdoors, which was evident by how active she was in her neighbourhood, often seen doing landscaping projects and yard work at her home. Her husband, 44, who was not living at the home, plead guilty to second-degree murder.  He had a history of assaulting Angela.

Cause of Death: Stabbing and physical trauma

8. Beata Paciorek

Age 35

Murdered on May 19^th, 2017 (Brampton)

Beata was described as a funny, caring and a selfless individual. Her friends say that she was someone “who would even give, when down to her last dollar”. She leaves behind two children, a boy and a girl. Friends and family will remember her as someone who was always willing to help and do right by her children. Beata was on a trip from Brampton to Sudbury when she was killed. Her 32 year old boyfriend and two others have been charged with first-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Unknown

 

9. Bodwatie Persaud

Age 70

Murdered on July 27^th, 2017 (Pickering)

Bodwatie was found by police without vital signs in her home after having moved to the area only months prior. Neighbours left colourful flowers on the property in her memory. A 71 year old man with the same name, was charged with her murder. Police are calling it a “domestic incident”.

 

Cause of Death: Unknown

10. Helen Ryan

Age 76

Murdered on October 27^th, 2017 (Cobourg)

Helen was born and raised in Campbellford and studied Opera at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She lived in Ontario during the summer months, and travelled to Texas for the winter. Helen is described by her cousin as a dear, sweet woman, who had an operatic soprano voice and sang beautifully when she was younger. She will be missed. Helen’s husband murdered her in the emergency area of the Coburg Hospital. Helen’s friends reported that there was a history of domestic violence.

Cause of Death: Gun Shot

11. Natasha Thompson

Age 36

Murdered on November 6^th, 2017 (Hamilton)

Natasha leaves behind her two daughters, aged 11 and 16. A flood of condolences came though, where many people described Natasha as a loving and dedicated mother. She was a well known social justice advocate and will be remembered fondly by friends and family. Natasha’s boyfriend, 41, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Gun shot

12. Melinda Vasilije

Age 22

Murdered on April 28^th, 2017 (Kitchener)

Melinda is remembered as a kind, beautiful, family orientated individual, whose inspiring personality made everyone around her happy. The community has rallied around the tragedy by helping to raise money in support of Melinda’s family, and to recognize her outgoing personality.  Her ex-boyfriend has been charged with second-degree murder after her body was found in her apartment.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

13. Cotie Weekley

Age 31

Murdered on January 23^rd, 2017 (Oshawa)

Cotie was a mother to an 8-year-old girl, and a beloved employee at a local restaurant. She has been described as happy, kind, and generous. As a sister, daughter, and friend, she will be missed by many. Cotie was found dead in her home in Oshawa, and her boyfriend has been charged with first-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

Section 2: Femicides

1. Asma A-Noor

Age 32

Murdered on December 18^th, 2016 (Ottawa)

Asma has been described as compassionate and full of life. She was a prominent figure in her community, and her mosque. Both Asma, and her sister Nasiba, were found dead in their home. Their brother has been charged with both murders. Asma’s death has impacted her family and friends in addition to her close knit community, who say she will be deeply missed.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

2. Nasiba A-Noor

Age 29

Murdered on December 18^th, 2016 (Ottawa)

Nasiba will be remembered as a young, talented, and compassionate woman. She is acknowledged for playing a huge part in her community and mosque. Nasiba was an enthusiastic teacher of the Qur’an, at both her mosque and local school. Nasiba is additionally described as a talented photographer, who was full of life.  She will be missed dearly by her family and friends; as well as her mosque and community.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

3. Dana Camber

Age 50

Murdered on March 14^th, 2017 (Barrie)

Dana was cherished by her family. She was deeply loved, and is missed by her mother, brother, daughter, and three grandchildren. Dana was murdered in her home by three men, and they have been charged with first-degree murder. It is believed that the men were known to her.

Cause of Death: Gun shot

4. Nicole Dragisic

Age 37

Murdered on October 16^th, 2017 (Hamilton)

Nicole was a very loving woman who was known for inspiring others with her courage and strong will. She was described as a woman with a heart of gold. Nicole is lovingly remembered by her many friends and family. Nicole was targeted and killed by two men who have not yet been found by the police. Nicole will be dearly missed by her friends, family and her five children.

Cause of Death: Gun shot

5. Elsa Giovannelli-Macciacchera

Age 82

Murdered on October 20^th, 2017 (Toronto)

Elsa was described as being a very loving woman, especially when it came to her large family. Elsa was a beloved wife, mother and Nonna to 5 grandchildren. A 60 year old man has been charged with manslaughter in Elsa’s death.

Cause of Death: Trauma

6. Josephine “Josie” Glen

Age 26

Murdered on October 27^th, 2017 (London)

Josie was known to the people who loved her as a bubbly, happy, kind and “nice to a fault” sort of woman. She was an incredible singer, and enjoyed going out with friends. She adored all animals, especially her dog, Luna. She will be remembered by her friends, family and the community. The man charged with her murder was reported as having an extensive history of assault against women. Previous charges on another woman included sexual assault, choking, forcible confinement and assault.

Cause of Death:  Unknown

7. Rori Hache

Age 18

Found on September 11^th, 2017 (Oshawa)

Rori is remembered as a bright, beautiful, strong and extremely smart young woman. Rori’s body was discovered in Lake Ontario. So far, no charges have been laid, but the investigation is still ongoing.

Cause of Death: Trauma

8. Rachelle Mair

Age 66

Murdered on August 18^th, 2017 (Ottawa)

Rachelle was a well-respected woman, who volunteered her time at the Catholic Centre for Immigrants. She is remembered by colleagues and friends as a beautiful woman and an extraordinary person.  Her son, 29, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Trauma

9. Cheryl McVarish

Age 43

Murdered on March 13^th, 2017 (Port Credit)

Cheryl will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who will be very dearly missed by her family and community. She was found dead in her driveway a week after she was reported missing. Cheryl’s partner’s father was charged with second-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma

10. Michelle Riley

Age 36

Murdered on February 9^th, 2017 (Toronto)

Michelle was described by friends as fiercely loyal and caring, with a heart of gold. She cared about homeless youth, and often invited them to stay with her. Michelle was also a volunteer at the Knox Presbyterian Church and Young Street Mission. Michelle’s friend plans to use “Riley” for her sons’ middle name in remembrance of Michelle. Michelle was found unresponsive in her apartment, and her roommate, a 51 year old man, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Trauma

11. Mirella Roncato

Age 54

Murdered on July 18^th, 2017 (Guelph)

Mirella is remembered by her friends as a great person, with a big smile and an even bigger heart. Mirella Roncato is remembered for her dedication to her family, and always placing their needs in front of her own. Her son has been charged with first-degree murder for his mother’s death.

Cause of Death: Unknown

12. Angela Skorulski

Age 56

Murdered on March 8^th, 2017 (Oakville)

Angela was a family woman who was loved by her two sisters and her brother. She was known to be very caring and loving. Angela will be remembered by her many friends and family. Angela was murdered in her home, and one man has been charged. Angela and the murderer were known to each other.

Cause of Death: Gun shot

13. Julia Sokolov

Age 24

Murdered on September 19^th, 2017 (Scarborough)

Julia was a second-year human resources management and organizational behaviour student at Ryerson University. She was known for her carefree, energetic, and joking personality. Julia will be missed dearly by her family and friends, and will always be remembered as a caring and loving individual by all she met. A 24 year old man has been charged with first-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

14. Sarah Vermelhudo

Age 38

Murdered on December 16^th, 2016 (Toronto)

Sarah was an aspiring life coach. She was described as a wonderful woman by colleagues and friends. Sarah’s family also described her as a beautiful person who was always looking to help and inspire others. Sarah was murdered in her home. Her nephew was charged with second-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

15. Donna Walc

Age 73

Murdered on October 4^th, 2017 (Collingwood)

Donna enjoyed an active lifestyle and was a vibrant participant in tennis clubs, Probus Club, book clubs and sporting events. She will be remembered as a respected educator and a joyful, thoughtful and kind individual who sparkled and enjoyed life to the fullest. Donna was found dead in her home, and police are still investigating her death as suspicious.

Cause of Death: Unknown

16. Marite Zala

Age 69

Murdered on October 20^th, 2017 (Toronto)

Marite was a loving mother of two, who was described as an avid learner, champion for mental health, volunteer and vivacious bibliophile. Marite was a very involved community member, working towards reducing crime levels and cleaning up the neighbourhood in order to make positive changes for her community. A 31 year old man identified as having some connection to the family has been charged with first-degree murder.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

17. Unknown (Publication Ban)

Age 35

Murdered on March 11^th, 2017

During a routine fire inspection, the body of a woman was found, along with her living 2 year old son. A 31 year old man with a history of violence against women has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the case. The unidentified victim was considered to be a “good person and good mother” by her friends.

Cause of Death: Unknown

18. Unknown (name never released)

Age 60

Murdered on September 13^th, 2017 (Toronto)

An unidentified woman was found murdered by police in her apartment. Police charged her 24-year-old son with first-degree murder. She will be remembered as a warm, personable, family oriented and caring woman.

Cause of Death: Stabbing

19. Unknown (Publication Ban)

Murdered on April 3^rd, 2017 (Webbwood)

A woman was found dead in her home after the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office investigated a suspicious fatal house fire. No information about the woman is available at this time. A 30-year-old man has been charged with murder.