UPDATE: Police have arrested and charged a 32-year-old Toronto man with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting in the east end. The incident resulted in the tragic death of woman who was killed by a stray bullet last week. Damian Hudson made an appearance in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Thursday, with a bail hearing slated for July 25.
According to CTV News Toronto, court documents obtained by the Canadian Press show that Hudson has a criminal record.
In 2021, the accused was charged with assault causing bodily harm in failing to comply with a 2019 probation order. In March of last year, he was also charged with two counts of assault and with failing to comply with the same probation order.
A Toronto woman, Karolina Huebner-Makurat, tragically lost her life in broad daylight when she was struck by an unexpected stray bullet last Friday. However, in a heartening turn of events, her family has already received over $250,000 in donations through their GoFundMe page.
Caroline, as she was fondly known, was simply out on a lunch errand in the Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue vicinity when the incident occurred. The police swiftly responded to the distress call at 12:30 pm on July 7.
Karolina Huber-Makurat, known affectionately as Carolina by her loved ones, was killed after an altercation involving three men near the intersection of Queen Street East and Caraway during the noon hour.
The sound of four gunshots can be heard in a video that was shared with CTV News Toronto. Toronto police are actively searching for three suspects wanted in connection with the incident.
The 44-year-old is survived be her husband Adrian Makurat and her daughters Claudia 7 and Nella 4.
“We are extremely touched by the tremendous support and are managing somehow now,” Adrian told CTV News Toronto.
The GoFundMe page which was set up over the weekend by family and friends describe Makurat as someone who always went out of their way to help others.
“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,” organizers wrote.
“Caroline was more than just a mother; she was a constant source of love, strength, and support for her girls. She worked tirelessly to provide them with a nurturing and stable environment, striving to give them the best opportunities in life,” organizers went on to say.
According to the GoFundMe page, funds raised “will be dedicated to securing the emotional and psychological well-being, educational purposed and and a cause near and dear to Caroline’s family.”
“Caroline’s spirit will forever live on in her children, and through our collective efforts, we can ensure her legacy continues to shine brightly,” organizers said.
The police have issued a warning stating that the suspects should be regarded as armed and dangerous. It is strongly advised that if anyone comes across the suspects, they should not approach them and instead call 911 immediately to report their whereabouts.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact police in 55 Divsion at 416-808-5500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or online at https://www.222tips.com