Nighisti Semret, 55, Update, DNA evidence received and $50,000 reward authorized

Toronto Police Service News Release

Homicide #43/2012, Nighisti Semret, 55, Update, DNA evidence received and $50,000 reward authorized

Friday, May 3, 2013 - 1:25 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 7:04 a.m., police responded to an unknown trouble call on Ontario Street.

See previous release.

A full forensic examination of the attack scene, the deceased and the deceased's clothing, was undertaken with the assistance of the Centre of Forensic Sciences – Biology Section. Numerous forensic submissions were made.

As a result of this examination the following is alleged:

- the victim scratched her attacker as DNA of a male was found under the fingernails of the deceased's right hand

- DNA of a male was found on the canvas portion of the umbrella used by the the citizen who confronted the man as the attack was occurring

- DNA of a male was detected on the black "Catie" canvas bag the victim was seen carrying

- the offender wounded himself during the attack with the knife he was carrying, which he may or may not have been treated for medically

- the DNA profiles are all from the same male

Investigators are appealing to the public to think back to October 2012, and recall any person who may have been tending to a hand or arm wound.

The Toronto Police Service is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the murder of Nighisti Semret.

Click here for reward poster.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Transcribed closed captioning on a news conference held on October 29, 2012 by Detective Sergeant Gary Giroux, has been made available through the efforts of community partner, Wendy Fisher. The cc+ feature can be activated by clicking on the cc+ icon via You Tube. This transcript is also word searchable.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Gary Giroux, Homicide Squad