Man Charged With First Degree Murder After Toronto House Fire
Toronto police charged a 34 year old man with first degree murder after an 84 year old woman, Giovanna Balestrieri, was found in a house set on fire in the Avenue Road and Boswell Avenue area on December 5, 2025. Firefighters located the woman and she later died at hospital, and investigators have released no further details.
A 34 year old man has been charged with first degree murder after an elderly woman was killed in a Toronto house fire. On December 5, 2025 emergency crews responded to a residence near Avenue Road and Boswell Avenue where firefighters located 84 year old Giovanna Balestrieri inside a house that had been set on fire. Balestrieri was transported to hospital and subsequently died.
Police say the accused has appeared in court. Investigators have not released further details about a motive, the condition of the property, or the identity of the person charged beyond his age. The case remains under active investigation and police warned the public that additional information may be forthcoming.
The immediate impact of the death is both personal and local. Family members lost an elderly relative and neighbours in the Avenue Road area are coping with shock and the disruption that follows a violent residential fire. Public safety officials are reminding residents to be alert for official updates and to avoid the scene while investigators work. Verify police updates before sharing information on social media to prevent misinformation and to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Practical steps for residents in the area include checking home fire safety measures, ensuring smoke alarms are functional, and reviewing emergency exit plans, especially for households with older adults. Community members who may have seen or heard anything related to the incident are encouraged to contact investigators. Police have not provided a phone number in this initial release but will likely publish contact details as the investigation continues.
The charged individual will face the court process for a first degree murder charge, and the next scheduled court appearance will be set by the court. Expect updates from police and court records as prosecutors and defence counsel prepare for the case. This event underscores the intersection of violent crime and fire safety in residential neighbourhoods, and the importance of community vigilance and accurate information during ongoing investigations.
