Toronto Police have delivered a grim update in a two-year-old missing persons case, revealing they now believe a Scarborough man who vanished just before Christmas in 2023 was likely murdered.
From Missing Person to Homicide Investigation
Detective Sergeant Phillip Campbell of the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit announced the significant shift in the investigation on Saturday. Taron Stepanyan, 42, was last seen leaving his residence at 20 Chichester Place on the evening of December 23, 2023. The area is located northeast of Victoria Park Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East.
"Based on information we've recently obtained, the circumstances of his disappearance now meet the threshold for a homicide investigation," Campbell stated during a press briefing outside Stepanyan's apartment building. The detective sergeant emphasized that the case remains active and that releasing specific details about the new evidence could compromise the investigation.
"What I can say is that we believe there is a strong possibility that foul play was involved in Taron's disappearance," Campbell added. The investigation was initially led by 42 Division officers but is now being handled directly by the specialized Homicide and Missing Persons Unit.
A Devastated Family Seeks Answers
Police described Stepanyan as a devoted "family man" with a son, whose loved ones have endured an agonizing two-year wait for answers. "We recognize that this has been an incredibly difficult and painful period for Taron's family, particularly as time passes on without getting any answers," Campbell said. "Right now his family is devastated."
Stepanyan is described as 5-foot-11, approximately 229 pounds, with short brown hair, a brown and grey beard, and brown eyes. He was 40 years old at the time of his disappearance.
Police Canvass for New Leads and Issue Warning
In light of the new development, investigators will be returning to Stepanyan's Scarborough neighbourhood to re-canvas the area and speak with residents who may have previously overlooked information. Detective Sergeant Campbell made a direct appeal to the public for assistance.
He also issued a stark warning to anyone who may have knowledge of the crime. "I also want to be very clear, if anyone has information about this case – including helping someone after the fact or assisting in the destruction or concealment of evidence – they could be charged with accessory after the fact," Campbell stated. "Now is the time to come forward."
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the Toronto Police directly at 416-808-4279. Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
