TORONTO, ON — Community in Shock After Fatal Stabbing Claims Life of Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane, Marking City’s 16th Homicide of 2025
TORONTO, ON — A somber and unsettling atmosphere hangs over Toronto’s east end in the wake of a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of 31-year-old Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane late Tuesday night. The tragedy unfolded near Danforth Avenue and Main Street, a normally bustling area where cafés, small shops, and residential buildings converge. With this incident, Pournasir-Roudbane has become the city’s 16th homicide victim of 2025—a grim statistic underscoring the urgency of addressing growing concerns around public safety.
Toronto Police were called to the scene around 11:20 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, after receiving reports of a violent altercation involving a man who had been seriously injured. Upon arrival, officers discovered Pournasir-Roudbane suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby trauma centre.
The victim’s identity was officially released Wednesday morning, sparking an immediate outpouring of grief from friends, co-workers, and community members who described Ashkan as a kind-hearted, intelligent, and driven individual with a deep love for the city he called home.
Toronto Police Service’s Homicide Unit has since launched a full investigation. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage, conducting interviews with witnesses, and asking anyone with information to come forward. Police say the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived and is currently at large. No arrests have been made, and a motive has not yet been confirmed.
“We believe this was not a random attack,” said Det. Sgt. Brandon Price during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon. “We are appealing to the public to assist us in locating any evidence that could help identify the person responsible for this senseless act.”
Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane, according to those who knew him, was someone who gave more than he ever asked for. Born and raised in Toronto, he attended Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), where he earned a degree in architecture. He had recently been working at a local design firm while mentoring youth interested in urban planning and community development. Outside of work, Ashkan was a passionate cyclist, an amateur photographer, and a devoted son and brother.
“He had a big heart,” said Leila Safavi, a family friend. “He was always helping others—whether it was guiding young students, volunteering for city cleanups, or just being there when someone needed a friend. He wanted to make Toronto a more livable, inclusive city.”
Ashkan’s sudden and violent death has sent waves of sorrow through the Iranian-Canadian community, where he was known as a bridge-builder—someone who blended heritage with hope, advocating for immigrant youth and equal opportunities. Community organizations such as the Iranian Canadian Congress and CultureLink have expressed condolences and called for a deeper look into the root causes of street violence in urban centers.
In a statement released by Ashkan’s family, they described him as “a son, a brother, a friend, and a light in so many lives.” The statement continued: “We are devastated by this loss. Ashkan was working toward a future full of promise and compassion. He deserved to grow old, to build a family, and to continue making a difference. We ask for privacy as we grieve, and we ask for justice.”
In response to the tragedy, area councillors and Mayor Olivia Chow issued statements reaffirming a commitment to tackling violence through prevention and community resilience. “Every life lost to violence is a failure of the systems meant to protect and uplift us,” Mayor Chow said. “Ashkan’s death is heartbreaking and unacceptable. We owe it to his memory—and to every victim—to build a safer city through action, not just words.”
A candlelight vigil in Ashkan’s honor is scheduled for Saturday evening at Dentonia Park, just blocks from where the incident occurred. Organizers say the vigil will serve not only as a remembrance but as a public demand for peace, safety, and justice. Friends and strangers alike have also begun placing flowers, photos, and messages at the scene, transforming a corner of Gower Street into a place of shared grief and solidarity.
In the days ahead, the people of Toronto—especially those in the east end—will continue to grapple with the loss of a young man who exemplified the best of what their city could be: compassionate, hopeful, and dedicated to community. As the search for his killer continues, so too does the call for answers and accountability.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Toronto Police Homicide at 416-808-7400 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).