Toronto police have arrested and charged a man in the death of Rhoderie Estrada, a mother of three who was killed in her East York home last month.
Homicide Det. Sgt. Mike Carbone said in a press conference on Sunday that police responded to a call on May 26 at approximately 2:15 a.m. and found a female suffering from “obvious signs of trauma” in her home on Torrens Ave., west of Pape Ave. The woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Carbone identified the deceased as Rhoderie Estrada, 41, saying an autopsy was performed on May 27 and at this time they will not be releasing the cause of death. He said they are alleging that between the time of 10:30 p.m. on May 25 and 2:15 a.m. on May 26, an unknown person entered a side window in the home and caused the death of Estrada.
Yostin Murillo, 22, of no fixed address, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Murillo will appear in court on June 4.
Carbone said there was no relationship between the suspect and victim. He said they believe they know the motive, but will not be releasing it at this time.
Carol Alvaran has known Estrada, who she calls Dherie, since 1995 when they met through a mutual friend. She said they remained close ever since.
“Dherie was such a good friend. She and I were like family,” Alvaran said. “She treated me as her younger sister when I left my home and went to live with her for quite some time … She always made sure there was food for me, and always wanted to make sure I was OK. She even encouraged me to go to nursing school then, which I am now.”
Alvaran now resides in Florida, but she flew to Toronto for Estrada’s funeral.
“She was a very positive person anyone would want to be around. A rare kind of person,” she said. “She would do anything for anyone … We will all miss her dearly.”
Estrada had worked as a clinician at St. Joseph’s Health Centre since 2001.
“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of one of our staff members, Rhoderie Estrada, this past weekend,” the hospital said in a statement. “Rhoderie has been a part of our team since 2001 and was a well-respected clinician and leader to her colleagues, as well as a friend. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her at St. Joe’s.”
Estrada was the city’s 33rd homicide victim this year.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have had contact with Murillo or who knows any information to contact the homicide squad at 416-808-7400 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
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