‘Gruesome discovery’: Deer found dead with arrow in body at Park Lawn Cemetery

An undated stock image of a deer crossing road sign on side of a country road. (File photo/iStockPhoto)

Toronto police are investigating after a deer was found dead with an arrow lodged in its body at Park Lawn Cemetery.

In an email to CP24.com, police say they received a call at 8:53 a.m. on Jan. 1, and when officers arrived, they located a deceased deer with an arrow in the side of its body.

A conservation officer has been notified and is assisting with the investigation.

At this time, police say no suspect description is available and the investigation remains ongoing.

A witness who identified herself to CP24 as Catherine said her friend texted her a picture after finding the deer.

“I viewed the image. Initially, I thought it was like a doe or that it was killed by coyotes, or whatever, and then I ended up meeting up with her. The police were there also doing their investigation,” she said.

“So, it was a horrifying discovery for all of us because this area is very, very conservative. It’s beautiful and Parkland Cemetery has always been a sacred place for the deer.”

Catherine said the deer’s antlers were sawed off, and a hunting arrow was embedded in its body. Seeing the animal, she said, was “so painful.”

“It was a very gruesome discovery. It’s very, very tragic for all of us,” said Catherine.

“I’ve been crying the whole week… We’re hoping and praying that law enforcement officials will find the killer.”

Catherine believes the deer was the one community members called “King Damien” and described as a “very majestic and beautiful creature.”

She said the incident is concerning, as many people walk in the cemetery, and anyone could have been struck by the arrow.

“We’re not sure exactly when this happened, but anybody could have been struck by that arrow and killed, right?... It’s horrible,” Catherine said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.