Editor’s note: Police charged one of the persons of interest - Deriba Wakene, 56, of Toronto - with failure to stop at the scene of an accident causing death on April 28, 2016. The second person of interest was never charged. Police have identified two persons of interest after a woman was killed in a hit-and-run incident over the weekend. Nelisa Damota, 39, was struck as she walked across Bloor Street near Dovercourt Road at approximately 9 p.m. on Sunday. According to police, the mother of one and stepmother of two was thrown onto the road after being hit by a car. She was then hit by an oncoming taxi. The taxi stayed at the scene, but the first car did not. On Tuesday, police announced they had found the 1991 Mercedes 420 SEL they believe was involved in the incident, but had not yet confirmed who was driving the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday morning, police said they have identified two persons of interest in the case. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with more information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS). Funeral, trust fund arranged Damota’s funeral is set for Monday, following two weekend viewings that are open to the public. Those wishing to pay their respects can attend the viewings on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. or Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vescio Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 2080 Dufferin St., just north of Rogers Road. A service will be held Monday at St. Mary’s Parish, located at 130 Bathurst St., south of Queen Street. A memorial webpage has been set up by the home, with links to a book of memories, an obituary and service details. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to a trust fund set up for Damota’s son, Dawson Gouveia, at the Bank of Montreal. The account number is 0396-8961-755, and is set up in the name of Gouveia’s stepfather Helio Batista. Donations can be made at any BMO branch.
