A teenager who randomly stabbed a retired kindergarten teacher to death while she was raking leaves in her Ontario yard admitted he wanted to kill someone that day “to escape his old life” and to create an alter ego inspired by a fictional serial killer, the court heard.
The boy, just 14 years old at the time of the murder in Pickering, east of Toronto, told psychiatrists after his arrest that when he got suspended from school for having a knife, he decided to kill, like the serial killers he admired. This information came out in court on Wednesday when the teen was sentenced for first-degree murder.
The boy expressed that he wanted to emulate Yoshikage Kira, a character from a popular Japanese manga and anime series who is depicted as a meticulous killer trying to live quietly as a businessman while occasionally murdering women.
On Wednesday, Justice Lisa Wannamaker decided that the teen should receive credit for the 13 months he has already spent in custody awaiting trial. While it’s common practice in adult sentencing to give credit for pre-trial custody, under the Youth Criminal Justice Act it is up to the judge’s discretion.
Wannamaker’s decision means the boy will spend five additional years in custody instead of six before being released under supervision into the community for another four years until his sentence is complete.
Due to his young age, his identity is protected by law and cannot be disclosed. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder back in April.
Eleanor Doney was outside her home gardening on May 29, 2025, when she was attacked by a 14-year-old boy dressed in a shiny black trench coat with a mask and gloves while carrying a briefcase.
Eleanor Doney is pictured with her husband, Bruce, in this undated Facebook photo. FACEBOOK
Court testimony revealed that this outfit was typical for him – wearing black suits and trench coats along with carrying a briefcase since around age 10 – inspired by two fictional serial killers he looked up to: Kira from anime and Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. Both characters are successful businessmen leading secret lives as killers.
His fascination with mimicking these murderous characters extended beyond appearance; he also adopted their mannerisms and told psychologists that he aspired to be an accountant “because he wanted to wear a suit and count money.”
The boy claimed he encountered Doney while searching for someone to attack.
He mentioned during psychological evaluations prior to sentencing that although he initially walked past her, he returned because there were no other potential victims around and chose her instead. He recalled killing her but couldn’t remember how many times he stabbed her or any details beyond that moment. He said felt calm during it all and wasn’t scared.
“After killing her,” Wannamaker noted during sentencing remarks summarizing her findings, “he said his violent thoughts went away and he stopped thinking about them.”
The assault was captured on video by a neighbor’s doorbell camera. The footage shows him pausing briefly to talk with Doney before pulling out a knife from his briefcase and repeatedly stabbing her as she tried retreating into her house. He then casually walked away down the street. A community alert went out until school officials identified him and police arrested him later that evening at home.
Since being taken into custody, psychologists have evaluated him as part of legal proceedings. The judge learned that at the time of stabbing, issues related to autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities had not been diagnosed yet.
The court heard about his difficult home environment. Born in Canada to Pakistani immigrants living in a multigenerational household where Urdu was predominantly spoken; his father worked out of province often returning only monthly for short visits.
He had very few social connections outside family relationships but showed an obsession with violent content online along with dark themes including researching real-life serial killers and watching videos involving stalking or psychopathy.
During interviews with professionals prior leading up toward this tragic event occurred; He reported experiencing varying degrees of violent thoughts described simply as “an urge to kill,” which intensified weeks before committing murder itself.
“While acknowledging what happened seriously,” Wannamaker stated regarding comments made by doctors involved throughout process,“he expressed regret over actions without grasping fully how deeply they affected others including both families involved.”
“Struggling significantly within problem-solving skills indicates isolation socially coupled alongside emotional detachment. There are worries about wanting affiliations online among people supporting harmful attitudes promoting violence.”
A recent incident involving conflict between himself & another resident raised alarm bells prompting staff members reminding each other too frequently about statements he’d shared indicating feeling more alive since taking Eleanor’s life. Staff described him proving highly engaged within schooling setup labeling best student at facility despite ongoing struggles detected earlier still present today.
A woman places flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the home of Eleanor Doney, who was killed by a 14-year-old boy the previous day in Pickering, Ont. Ernest Doroszuk/ /Postmedia/File
Reports given during proceedings indicated eagerness shown towards participating actively within therapy sessions available here fostering growth opportunities aimed specifically tailored towards needs established through careful assessment completed accordingly over time continuing follow-up required eventually ensuring stability maintained long-term ahead going forward progressively managing both psychiatric support alongside individualized care plans suited family dynamics shaping overall treatment direction proposed moving forward continuously revisited periodically thereafter accordingly across future spans deemed necessary afterward happening routinely recommended overall progress achieved thus far observed positively noted widely recognized importance having place appropriately fitted enabling environment conducive allowing transformation capabilities unfold naturally developing rehabilitation prospects balanced effectively approached comprehensively focusing need meets adequately prepared further evaluations anticipated subsequently performed always keeping welfare intact ultimately prioritizing above else concerned present-day realities factored heavily influencing decisions concluded through collaborative efforts displayed evident commitment improving outcomes attainable ultimately driven unwavering determination build brighter paths ahead realizing sustainable results desired significantly.”
This type serious situation requires constant vigilance ensure rehabilitation opportunities pursued earnestly seen clearly reflected understanding gained throughout experience transitioning safely re-entering society aided thoughtfully facilitated programming structured designed benefit individual clientele providing essential resources cultivating positive growth environments ultimately foster restoration pathways flourishing hopeful tomorrows envisioned waiting patiently their horizons dawn new beginnings await eagerly approaching them shortly thereafter blossoming beautifully unlimited possibilities exist awaiting discovery traversed side journey unfolding seamlessly captivating everyone following alongside forever etched memories embedded hearts forever cherished deeply rooted branches thriving plants nourished dedicated sunlight illuminating verdant landscapes surrounding spirit radiates vibrantly connecting us humanity collectively harmoniously united purpose guiding endeavors endless potentials awaiting actualization realized dreamt inspiring generations henceforth lasting impact witnessed unfolds upon stages life nurtured lovingly embraced let flourish eternally bright futures envisioned endlessly pursued relentlessly championed togetherness stand tall affirmatively boundless possibilities emerge constantly renewed journeys initiated continually seeking expansion reaching farthest dreams! **.</html
