Toronto police have announced a major development in a two-year-old missing person case, now stating they believe foul play was involved and reclassifying the investigation as a homicide.
Case Upgraded After Two Years
The investigation concerns Taron Stepanyan, a man from Scarborough who vanished without a trace. The case had remained open as a missing person investigation since his disappearance in January 2024. On January 10, 2026, detectives made the significant move to upgrade the case, citing a strong possibility of criminal involvement.
While police have not released specific new evidence that led to the reclassification, they emphasized their suspicion that Stepanyan did not simply disappear voluntarily. The shift in focus marks a pivotal moment for the investigation and for Stepanyan's family, who have been seeking answers for two years.
Appeal for Public Information
With the case now being treated as a homicide, Toronto police are making a renewed and urgent appeal to the public. Investigators are urging anyone with information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to contact them.
This includes individuals who may have spoken to Stepanyan around the time of his disappearance, seen him, or have knowledge of his circumstances or associations. Police believe that someone in the community holds the key to solving this case.
A Family's Ongoing Search for Answers
The reclassification confirms the worst fears of Stepanyan's loved ones, who have endured years of uncertainty. The move from a missing person case to a homicide investigation, while painful, provides a clearer direction for the pursuit of justice.
Toronto police have not disclosed if there are any persons of interest or suspects at this time. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with detectives dedicated to following all leads. The police service is asking for the public's cooperation to help bring closure to Stepanyan's family and hold anyone responsible accountable for their actions.
