The woman killed by a stray bullet while walking to pick up lunch in Toronto’s east end has been identified as Karolina Huebner-Makurat, also known as Caroline, a mother of two young girls aged 7 and 4.
The fundraiser said the funds would be used to help her family, “dedicated to their emotional and psychological well-being, educational purposes and a cause near and dear to Caroline’s family.”
At press time on July 10, more than $192,000 had been raised from 2,400 donations toward a $350,000 goal.
“Caroline loved life and was instant friends with everyone she met. Her great sense of humour always lightened up all situations. She was a kind soul, always eager to lend a helping hand,” said family friends who created the fundraiser.
Suspects Being Sought
According to the news release, the TPS received a call about a shooting in the Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue area on July 7 at 12:22 p.m. local time.
The police said it was reported that a physical altercation between three males, and “Two of the males brandished handguns and discharged them at each other.”
Mrs. Huebner-Makurat, age 44, was walking in the area and was struck by a stray bullet. She was transported to hospital but did not survive her injuries, the news release said, noting that the suspects fled the area on foot and were still being sought.
The first suspect is described as male, 25 to 30 years old, tall, with a medium build and cornrows. He was wearing a white T-shirt with a black stripe from sleeve to sleeve, blue jeans, and white shoes. He may have injuries to his head, police said.
The second suspect is described as male, 18 to 25 years old, average height, slim build, with long hair in a ponytail. He was wearing a black baseball hat, a black North Face hoodie, dark coloured jeans, and white shoes.
The third suspect is described as male, 18 to 25 years old, tall, with a thin build. He was wearing a grey hoodie, dark pants, and dark shoes.
‘Broad Daylight’
The Toronto Police Association (TPA) said in a Twitter post on July 9, “Where is the outrage from the public/local politicians over an innocent bystander being murdered in broad daylight on our city streets?”“Before I could realize what I as happening this beautiful woman, who looked to be in her 40s, fell to the ground right in front of me. It was pure chaos as people screamed ‘she had a heart attack’, ‘she was hit by a car’. When in reality she had been hit by a stray bullet shot by a coward during a very stupid and senseless fight that cost this woman her life.” said Mrs. Wetmore.
She said she was “beyond traumatized” and would never get the image of the woman out of her head.
“She died on a sidewalk around strangers waiting for the streetcar. A mother to 2 daughters. It crushes my heart that her babies will not grow up with their mom. Please consider donating to the go fund me set up for her family,” wrote Mrs. Wetmore.
Ms. Mcinnis said Mrs. Huebner-Makurat was the “best mother” and a devoted wife, and the “only child of the best Polish Canadian parents who loved and adored her.”
