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Elderly Woman Dies After Alleged Financial Exploitation
13 Nov
Summary
- An 86-year-old Toronto resident died from a severe bedsore after being allegedly exploited.
- Family claims police dismissed concerns about elder abuse for 18 months.
- Agency sought guardianship amid suspicions of financial and mental incapacity.
Dorelia Licorish, an 86-year-old Toronto resident, died on November 21, 2025, from septic shock caused by a Stage 4 infected bedsore. Her death followed a period where her family suspected her of financial exploitation by two men who had moved into her home as tenants and later claimed to be her caregivers. The family reported concerns to Toronto police over 18 months, but investigations were reportedly treated as "family disputes," with no criminal charges laid. Authorities had initiated legal proceedings for guardianship due to concerns about Licorish's mental incapacity.
In September 2024, the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee began investigating after a real estate lawyer flagged concerns about Licorish's ability to understand legal decisions. Banking records showed significant withdrawals and alcohol purchases from her accounts. Licorish's family believes she was neglected, especially after she was taken to Guyana twice by the men, with her health deteriorating. She was found unresponsive and hospitalized on November 7, 2025, suffering from profound dehydration and a severe bedsore. Experts suggest her death could have been prevented if she had received timely medical attention.
