Innocent bystander killed by stray bullet identified as mother of two young girls in Toronto
The woman killed by a stray bullet while walking to pick up lunch in Toronto’s east side has been identified as Karolina Huebner-Makurat, also known as Caroline, a mother of two young girls, ages 7 and 4.
“Caroline was an innocent bystander who succumbed to her gunshot wounds from a stray bullet at the corner of Queen St. East and Carlaw Ave. on Friday afternoon, July 7, 2023,” said one GoFundMe founded on July 8 by friends of the family to support the woman’s grieving husband, Adrian Makurat, and her children.
The fundraiser said the money would be used to help her family, “dedicated to their emotional and psychological well-being, educational purposes and a cause 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 instantly friends with everyone she met. Her great sense of humor always lightened up any situation. She was a kind soul, always ready to lend a helping hand,” said friends of the family who set up the fundraiser.
“She was a shining light in the lives of her two beautiful daughters aged 7 and 4. The sudden loss of their beloved mother leaves these innocent young souls wrestling with unimaginable grief and uncertainty about their future. Caroline was more than just a mother; she was a constant source of love, strength and support for her girls,” the friends said.
Suspects are being sought
Toronto Police Service (TPS) confirmed the victim’s identity in a Press release of 8 July informing the public about the murder investigation.
According to the press release, the TPS received a call about a shooting on Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue on July 7 at 12:22 a.m. local time.
Police said it was reported that there was a physical altercation between three men, and “Two of the men brandished pistols and fired at each other.”
Ms. Huebner-Makurat, age 44, was walking in the area and was hit by a stray bullet. She was taken to hospital but did not survive her injuries, the press release said, noting that the suspects fled the area on foot and are still being sought.
The TPS issued another one press release on July 9 in which it released suspicious information and images and enlisted the public’s help in identifying them.
The first suspect is described as male, 25 to 30 years old, tall, of average build, and cornrows. He was wearing a white T-shirt with a black stripe from sleeve to sleeve, blue jeans and white shoes. Police say he may have head injuries.
The second suspect is described as male, 18 to 25 years old, of average height, of slim build, with long hair in a ponytail. He wore a black baseball cap, black North Face hoodie, dark 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 gray hoodie, dark pants and dark shoes.
Police said the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous and advised the public not to approach them if they are seen, but to call 911 immediately.
‘Broad daylight’
The Toronto Police Association (TPA) said in a Twitter post on July 9, “Where is the outrage from the public/local politicians at an innocent bystander being killed in broad daylight on our city streets?”
a witness following the shooting, Simone Wetmore of Toronto posted on social media that she heard three gunshots as she drove east on Queen Street on July 7.
“Before I realized what was happening, this beautiful woman, who appeared to be in her 40s, fell right in front of me. It was pure chaos as people screamed ‘she had a heart attack’, ‘she got hit by a car’. When in reality she was hit by a stray bullet shot by a coward during a very stupid and pointless 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 mind.
She died on a sidewalk near strangers waiting for the streetcar. A mother of 2 daughters. It breaks my heart that her babies will not grow up with their mothers. Please consider donating to the fund I have set up for her family,” Ms Wetmore wrote.
Toronto Realtor Lisa Mcinnis, a friend of the victim, posted a July 10 tribute on social media stating, “Caroline was a bright light wherever she went with a quick smile and a charming personality, smart and generous.”
Ms. Mcinnis said Ms. 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”.
