Police identify 71-year-old woman as victim of ‘unprovoked’ Toronto stabbing

3 hours ago 1

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TORONTO — Toronto police have identified the woman killed in what they called an unprovoked stabbing as the search continues for the suspect.

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Police said 71-year-old Shahnaz Pestonji was loading her groceries in a North York parking lot on Thursday morning when a man attacked her.

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Pestonji was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, police said. The male suspect, who investigators said wore a balaclava, fled the area on foot.

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“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,” police said in a statement Friday.

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Police have released surveillance images of the suspect and are asking anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately.

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“Given what we know, we want to be absolutely clear: we believe this individual is dangerous, and the public should not approach him,” they said.

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Shelley Carroll, the city councillor who represents the area, said she was “heartbroken” to learn about the attack.

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“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.

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Carroll said support was available for local residents and businesses impacted by the “violent” and “traumatic” incident.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.

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