Toronto Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Stabbing Incident
Toronto woman charged with second-degree murder in deadly Dovercourt stabbing that claimed a 38-year-old man's life earlier this year.
A Toronto woman is facing a serious charge after a deadly stabbing incident earlier this year led to the death of a 38-year-old man. The fatal event unfolded in the Dovercourt Road and Geary Avenue area, not far from Davenport Road, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Police officers were called to the scene just after 2:30 a.m. on February 21, discovering a man suffering from critical stab wounds inside a residence. Despite being rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, the man, later identified as Paulo Mota of Toronto, succumbed to his injuries three days later, on February 24. The tragedy marked the city’s fourth homicide of 2025 at that time.
Following a months-long investigation, authorities announced a significant development in the case over the weekend. On June 8, officers arrested 44-year-old Maria Rivero, also of Toronto. She has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Mota’s death.
Rivero was scheduled to appear in court on Monday to answer to the charge. Officials have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the stabbing or the relationship between the accused and the victim, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The fatal stabbing and subsequent arrest have prompted renewed discussions around community safety and violence prevention initiatives in the Dovercourt neighborhood. Residents say they are awaiting more information as the case moves through the judicial system, hoping for answers and justice for Mota’s family.
