Manijeh Bostani−Khamsi, seen in this handout photo.
A 78-year-old widow found slain in her upscale Toronto condominium on the weekend was likely targeted by her killer, police said Monday.
The body of Manijeh Bostani−Khamsi was discovered Saturday morning in an apartment at 215 Wynford Drive, a highrise near Eglinton Avenue East and the Don Valley Parkway.
Police believe she was killed a day earlier.
"We have not received any information to (make us) believe this was a random attack," Detective Mike Carbone of the homicide squad told reporters, without elaborating.
"I believe she was targeted … the question is why."
Ms. Bostani-Khamsi was pronounced dead at the scene.
There were clear signs of trauma, police said, but no cause of death was released and detectives would not disclose whether she had been robbed, nor whether there had been a forced entry to her apartment on the 21st floor.
Security cameras were in place at the well-appointed building, which has a security desk in the lobby, and police were scrutinizing the video footage.
Originally from Iran, Ms. Bostani-Khamsi had lived in the building for more than 10 years and owned the unit. She has family but they live abroad, police said.
Her husband died several years ago and had been the breadwinner in the marriage, so she had no work history in this country.
Her death was the city's 51st homicide of the year. At this point in 2011, there had been 43.
On Wednesday the victim was seen in her building and nothing appeared amiss, police said. They appealed for help about her movements after that, particularly during Friday afternoon and evening.
Anyone with information is asked to call the homicide squad at 416−808−7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), which can also be reached online at www.222tips.com.