Sri Lankan Woman Killed in Targeted Shooting in Canada

The York Regional Police in Canada have reported that the victim of a fatal shooting in Markham, Ontario, was a 20-year-old Sri Lankan woman named Nilakshi Raguthas. The incident occurred on the morning of Friday, March 7, 2025, at a residence on Solace Road, where a targeted shooting took place. Another man was seriously injured, and a German Shepherd dog was also killed during the attack.

Details of the Incident

According to police reports, officers responded to a shooting incident at a house near Highway 48 and Castlemore Avenue around 6:30 AM. Upon arrival, they found a woman and a man with gunshot wounds inside the residence.

Both victims were immediately taken to the hospital, where Nilakshi Raguthas was pronounced dead. The 26-year-old man sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. The German Shepherd dog inside the house was also shot and found dead when officers arrived.

Suspects and Investigation

Authorities have stated that two suspects fled the area in a black Acura TLX sedan.

“This is being investigated as a targeted shooting, and it has been reported that this residence has been targeted multiple times in the past,” said Constable Kevin Nebrija in a media statement.

Police records show that officers had been called to the residence five times since 2018, including three incidents in 2024. In previous cases, suspects had fired shots at the house from a distance, but this time, the shooting occurred inside the residence.

Ongoing Investigation

The house was targeted once in February 2024 and twice in March of the same year. Following these incidents, police held a meeting with the residents and the city council. However, no arrests were made in connection with the previous shootings.

Investigators are still working to identify the suspects and determine the sequence of events. It remains unclear whether the perpetrators forced entry into the house or were allowed inside.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation into this tragic inciden.

New reports confirm that the victim, Nilakshi Raguthas, was the niece of Alfred Duraiappah, the former Mayor of Jaffna.