Toronto: A 26-year-old woman of Punjabi origin was shot dead in what Canadian authorities have described as a targeted attack in Toronto, leading to the arrest of a Brampton resident who now faces a first-degree murder charge.
According to the Toronto Police Service, the victim, identified as Navneet Kaur, was approached by a man in the Etobicoke area during the early hours of Friday. Investigators believe the two had a brief interaction before the suspect allegedly opened fire.
Emergency services responded swiftly after receiving reports of the shooting and attempted life-saving measures at the scene. However, Kaur was pronounced dead before she could be transported to a hospital.
Police have identified the accused as Sharnjeet Singh, 37, of Brampton, who has been charged with first-degree murder. He also faces an additional charge for allegedly breaching the conditions of an earlier legal undertaking.
Investigators said the suspect fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Following a coordinated search operation, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) located and arrested him later the same day.
Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the relationship, if any, between the accused and the victim, stating that the investigation remains ongoing.
A local resident who witnessed the incident told media outlets that the man appeared to speak with the woman briefly before suddenly pulling out a firearm and firing at her. The witness said the attack unfolded within moments, leaving bystanders shocked.
The incident has sparked concern among residents in the neighbourhood, with several expressing fears about public safety following the fatal shooting.
Sharnjeet Singh was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on Saturday.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information, surveillance footage or dashcam recordings to come forward and assist with the investigation.
