A tragic and senseless act of violence has shaken the Toronto community after 71-year-old Shahnaz Pestonji was fatally stabbed in what authorities describe as an unprovoked attack.

The incident occurred Thursday morning in a North York parking lot as Pestonji was loading groceries into her vehicle. According to Toronto Police, officers responded to a 911 call about a stabbing in the area of Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue East at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, they found the elderly woman with critical stab wounds. Emergency responders rushed her to a nearby hospital, but sadly, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators say the assailant—a man wearing a balaclava—approached Pestonji without warning and attacked her before fleeing the scene on foot. At this time, police have not determined a motive but believe the attack was random and unprovoked, with no indication that the victim and suspect knew each other.

While the attacker remains at large, Toronto Police have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to community safety. They have released surveillance footage of the suspect and are urging anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately. Police describe the man as potentially armed and dangerous and caution citizens not to approach him.

The brutal nature of the crime has sparked an outpouring of grief and concern across Toronto, especially in the Parkway Forest neighborhood where the incident occurred. Many local residents expressed shock that such a horrifying act could take place in a typically quiet area and in broad daylight.

“This is so heartbreaking,” said one neighbor. “She was just going about her day—something any of us could have been doing. To be attacked like that, it’s terrifying.”

Shahnaz Pestonji is being remembered as a gentle, kind-hearted woman who was deeply loved by her family and community. Neighbors and friends have begun leaving flowers and messages near the scene of the attack, paying tribute to a life lost in such a cruel and senseless way.

“She was always smiling,” one neighbor recalled. “She never had a harsh word for anyone. It’s unthinkable that something like this could happen to her.”

Toronto Police continue to actively investigate the incident, canvassing the area for more surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses who may have seen the attacker before or after the stabbing. They are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist with the investigation.

“This was a devastating attack on a vulnerable member of our community,” said a police spokesperson. “We are doing everything we can to identify and apprehend the person responsible and ensure justice is served for Ms. Pestonji and her loved ones.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police Service or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.

As the city mourns the loss of Shahnaz Pestonji, many are also calling for increased safety measures in public spaces, especially for seniors. For now, her family and community are left grieving the sudden loss of a woman whose quiet presence left a lasting mark.