'A beacon of light': Husband of Leslieville shooting victim releases statement
The husband of Karolina Huebner-Makurat, the bystander killed by a stray bullet in a daytime shooting in Leslieville, is speaking out.
In a written statement issued on Thursday, Adrian Makurat remembered his wife as a “beacon of light” and expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to the bystanders who attempted to save her life prior to the arrival of paramedics.
The statement comes on the heels of Toronto police announcing their first arrest in the ongoing homicide investigation.
On Friday afternoon, police attended a call for a daytime shooting at around 12:20 p.m. near the intersection of Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue. Police say there was a physical altercation between three men, during which two of the men brandished handguns and discharged them at one another.
Karolina Huebner-Makurat, 44, was struck by a stray bullet while walking in the area. She was transported to hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Damian Hudson, 32, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Court documents obtained by CTV News show that the accused has a criminal record.
Hudson was charged in 2021 with assault causing bodily harm in and failing to comply with probation order issued in 2019. He was also charged with two counts of assault in March of last year and with failing to comply with the same probation order.
Hudson was due to appear in a Toronto court on Thursday.
Police continue to search for two outstanding suspects, and ask anyone with information to contact investigators.
Karolina Huebner-Makurat, known as Caroline by loved ones, is seen in this photograph. (Supplied)In his statement to press, Makurat thanked the public for their support.
"On behalf of my family, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the brave and compassionate individuals who, as innocent bystanders, selflessly attempted to save Caroline before the arrival of the first responders," he said.
"Their heroic efforts in such a challenging and distressing situation will forever be remembered and cherished. I also extend my deepest thanks to the first responders and the dedicated members of the Toronto police force, whose swift response and tireless work have led us to this significant announcement.
"Throughout this traumatic period, our focus has been on providing care and support for our young girls. As we navigate the overwhelming range of emotions and try to come to terms with the sudden and shocking turn our lives have taken, we kindly request continued privacy," he continued.
"To all who have shown us compassion and understanding, including the courageous bystanders who extended their care and support, we will forever hold your acts of bravery and humanity in our hearts. Thank you for your love and support."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979415.1722030986!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Paris Olympics kicks off with ambitious but rainy opening ceremony on the Seine River
Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy along the Seine River.
BREAKING Celine Dion stages comeback with performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career during the opening ceremony at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before Jasper can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes "for several weeks."
'He was just gone': Police ramp up search for vulnerable 3-year-old boy in Mississauga, Ont.
Police in Mississauga are conducting a full-scale search of the city’s biggest park for a non-verbal toddler who went missing Thursday evening. Sgt. Jennifer Trimble told reporters Friday morning that there has been no trace of three-year-old Zaid Abdullah since 6:20 p.m., when he was last seen with his parents in Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn $146,000 for water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six figure water bill.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Canada's Christine Sinclair: 'We were never shown drone footage'
Canada soccer great Christine Sinclair said on Friday national team players were never shown drone footage during the more than two decades she was on the team, following a spying scandal that cast a shadow over the Canadians at the Paris Games.
At least 4 buildings burned at Jasper Park Lodge, others damaged: Fairmont memo
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge said Thursday afternoon most of its structures are 'standing and intact,' including its iconic main lodge.