The homicide squad is investigating after a woman found bleeding in a laneway near Dufferin Mall died in hospital.

Around 6:30 p.m. Friday, the woman, 41, was found with apparent gunshot wounds in the laneway off Chesley Avenue, near Dufferin and College streets.

She was taken to St. Michael’s Hospital, where she died. This is Toronto’s sixth homicide of 2012.

“We’re still continuing the processing of the scene,” said Det. Joseph Caputo, Forensic Identification Unit.

Police have not released the woman’s identity as they are still notifying family.

The incident has left neighbours shaken.

“It's a sad thing, when someone dies like that. It's a sad thing,” said area resident Rock.

“It's kind of scary, especially to go out with kids at night we usually take the laneway. So now we’re going to be more careful,” said Elizabeth Alves.

Reports say this murder may be connected to an early morning shooting in Richmond Hill, but police have not confirmed any link.