A recent murder in the quiet Leaside community has shocked residents. Police reportedly responded to a call for a missing person on Airdrie Drive, near Eglinton Avenue and Laird Drive on New Year’s Day. Through the course of their investigation, police found a deceased person.
A 46-year-old male, later identified as Paul Hindle, was charged with second degree murder in connection with the case.
Police subsequently identified the victim as 45-year-old Lisa Lebitka. A news release indicated that the cause of death had not yet been established.
It’s something that has stunned the community, according to Coun. John Parker — that this could happen in Leaside and, in particular, to someone like Lebitka.
“She was just the most delightful person you could possibly imagine,” he said.
Lebitka, a long-time Leaside resident, ran her own interior design company dedicated to “creating playful, passionate and peaceful spaces for families, couples and individuals.”
According to a death notice, she was also a devoted mother to her three children, imparting in them an appreciation for the arts and sports.
“Her smile, laughter, caring and love will be missed by all,” it said.
Hindle was widely reported to have been Lebitka’s boyfriend. At his Jan. 17 court appearance, a set date appearance was scheduled for late last month. He is also facing five counts of uttering a forged document and six counts of fraud under $5,000.