‘So many questions and so few answers’: Family of Toronto man missing for almost 2 years desperate to find him

Taron Stepanyan, left, with his sister, Tatev. (Supplied)

The family of a Toronto man who went missing almost two years ago is desperate to know what has happened to their loved one.

Taron Stepanyan, who was 40 at the time of his disappearance, was last seen on Dec. 23, 2023 in Scarborough’s West Hill area, near Morningside Avenue and Kingston Road.

He is described as five-foot-11 and weighing 229 pounds with short brown hair, a brown/grey beard, and brown eyes.

Unable to get the answers she was seeking from Toronto police, the man’s sister, Tatev Stepanyan, who lives in Armenia, has hired a local lawyer to help them navigate the case and serve as a liaison with authorities.

“There are so many questions and so few answers,” said Toronto-based lawyer Elina Marinosyan, who is representing the missing man’s “deeply distressed” family.

“We gave the police everything that we thought is going to be helpful for the investigation – above and beyond. … Whether (he’s) alive or not, we need answers as to what happened.”

Marinosyan said they “strongly” suspect Stepanyan may have met with foul play, as he would never not call his family in Armenia, especially his mother, with whom he is “very close.”

“Taron would never, never stop communicating with them on his own free will,” she said, adding he also had a good relationship with his teenage son here in Canada.

“At this point, we are very puzzled as to why this is not being investigated as a homicide.”

Marinosyan said Stepanyan also has a wife here; however, his relatives in Armenia are not in contact with her despite attempts to get in touch shortly after his disappearance.

“They just don’t communicate,” she said, adding the man’s family is unsure about the exact nature of the relationship between Stepanyan and his spouse and if they were together or not.

Lastly, she said his relatives aren’t aware of any mental health issues he may or may not have had.

Stepanyan, who is a Canadian citizen, came to Canada about 10 years ago.

“Taron is a devoted father, brother, and son. His family firmly believes he would never abandon his loved ones, especially his young son,” the sister said in a written statement.

“Our only goal is to uncover the truth about what happened to Taron. We are pleading with anyone who may know something - please come forward.”

Police not providing ‘meaningful’ updates: family

Marinosyan said Stepanyan’s sister and their relatives back home had held out hope as long as they could that the police would provide them with “meaningful” updates on the case but finally decided last spring to retain legal counsel to assist them.

“What we do know is they’re not telling us what they’re doing. We need assurances that the police are doing everything possible to return Taron home,” she said, adding the family is also considering hiring a private investigator.

“All we are ever told is they’re working on it tirelessly. … Toronto police have provided very little to ensure this investigation is being properly done. I have no idea what they’re doing.”

Toronto police, meanwhile, told CP24 they “understand how concerning the disappearance of a loved one can be for family and friends,” adding they “continue to investigate Mr. Stepanyan’s disappearance.”

In a follow-up email to CP24, Const. Viktor Sarudi said Stepanyan’s disappearance “continues to be actively investigated and police appeal for anyone with information to contact 42 Division.”

Stepanyan’s family is urging anyone who knows anything about his disappearance to contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Marinosyan said people can also email her directly at [e-mail], if they wish to share information.

“Someone may know something that may not mean much to them but can make a world of difference,” she said.