Hundreds attend vigil in honour of mother killed by stray bullet in Toronto shooting

Hundreds of people gathered in a Toronto park on Monday to remember a woman killed by a stray bullet more than a week ago.

The event honouring the life of Karolina Huebner-Makurat, who died in hospital after walking in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood on July 7, was held at Jimmie Simpson Park. 

Huebner-Makurat, also known as Caroline, was a mother of two daughters. She was remembered at a vigil as a woman who treasured her family and cared for her community.

Mayor Olivia Chow and Coun. Paula Fletcher, who represents Toronto Danforth, Ward 12, were there.

Adrian Makurat, the husband of the victim, told the crowd that the family has received a lot of support since the death of his wife. He thanked everyone who came to the vigil.

"Young and old, we're here now for a reason. We all know what that is," Makurat said.

"We're managing. A lot of people don't know what to say and I think that speaks volumes. The girls are in a good position because I'm looking out at all those aunts and uncles that they don't know that they have."

"It was Caroline who put me up on this stage. Not because of what happened last Friday, but because of what a humbling person, friend and mother she is. I think we can take that to heart."

Marie Aragona, a longtime friend of Huebner-Makurat, remembered her as someone who loved to travel and make lasting connections with others.

"We loved and laughed together," Aragona said. "She would want us to love, protect and look out for each other."

"She helped me find the positive in everything," Aragona added. "We will forever miss you."

Chow, for her part, said some events in life are senseless and the killing of Huebner-Makurat doesn't make sense. She called her a "person full of love."

"No, we do not understand everything that happens to us in life. We grieve. We're saddened. But we could respond with hope and love. So that's what we'll do, together," she said.

'We're here to send that love,' councillor says

Fletcher asked people to hold the hand of the person next to them to remember Huebner-Makurat. The crowd then observed a minute of silence.

"Caroline believed in people. She believed in communicating and being close to everyone. She was a fantastic communicator," she said.

Fletcher said it is important for the community to show love for the family.

"We're remembering Caroline. A wonderful partner, an exceptional mother, a great friend, a great neighbour and a great community member," she said.

"We want to surround Caroline's family with love. We're here to send that love, to her husband and her beautiful girls."

Peter Chapman, a family friend for about eight years, said the vigil was a community event to allow people to honour her life and memory. He said he also has two daughters.

"We're all in a bit of shock to be honest, being so close. We spent a lot of time with Adrian and the children. I'm not sure we've fully come to terms with everything," he said.

"Tonight is very important to us. The community has a chance to commemorate her. She had a passion for teaching and organizing. She was a great friend and neighbour."

At the end of the vigil, mourners tied yellow ribbons and sunflowers to the park's tennis court fence. Vigil organizers said yellow was her favourite colour and was chosen to represent her vibrant personality.

Police have said the 44-year-old mother of two was hit by a bullet after a group of three men were in an altercation nearby and two of them fired guns at each other.

Damian Hudson, 32, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the shooting, while police continue their search for two outstanding suspects.

Court documents show Hudson served 15 months in jail after he stabbed someone and police have said he was out on bail when he was arrested. He has an extensive criminal record.

The incident has rattled Leslieville residents, who set up a makeshift memorial for Huebner-Makurat shortly after her death, laying flowers, candles and notes mourning her.

A private funeral for family and friends will be held for Huebner-Makurat on Saturday.