Toronto police are searching for a 14-year-old young offender in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 71-year-old woman in North York.
Investigators say Shahnaz Pestonji had just finished buying groceries in the Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue East area near Don Mills Road and was loading them into her vehicle when she was attacked just after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Pestonji was rushed to a local trauma centre, where she was later pronounced dead.
“We now believe this was a robbery that escalated into a deadly attack,” said Det. Matthew Pinfold on Friday.
Police say the 14-year-old of Toronto is wanted for second-degree murder.
He is described as approximately five-feet-seven, 135 pounds with a skinny build. He was last seen wearing black pants, a black hooded sweatshirt with “New York – 555” written on the front in white lettering, a balaclava-style face covering with his hood up, and carrying a black satchel.
Pinfold says the suspect is known to move around the city using the TTC and was last seen around noon on Thursday at Kennedy Station.
“Since the homicide took place, police have conducted an extensive search – canvassing door-to-door, using canine units and drones, and reviewing surveillance footage from the area – and we continue to follow every investigative lead,” said Pinfold.
“We believe this individual is dangerous, and the public should not approach him.”
Pinfold urged the teen to turn himself in, adding, “We are actively looking for you and we will find you.”
Shelley Carroll, the city councillor who represents the area, said she was “heartbroken” to learn about the attack.
“This is a devastating and senseless act of violence, and my thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone in the community who has been shaken by this tragedy,” she said in a statement shared on social media.
Carroll said support was available for local residents and businesses impacted by the “violent” and “traumatic” incident.
Editor’s Note: Judicial authorization to identify the suspected expired on Sunday, July 20, 2025.