Police ID woman, 71, fatally stabbed in North York parking lot

Toronto police have identified a 71-year-old woman fatally stabbed in a North York parking lot on Thursday in what has been called an "unprovoked" attack.

Shahnaz Pestonji, of Toronto, died in hospital, police said in a news release on Thursday. Police say she was attacked while loading groceries into her car. 

No arrests have been made, but police have released images of the suspect who fled the scene.

Police said officers found the woman with stab wounds after they were called to the area of Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue E. at around 9:35 a.m.

Earlier on Thursday, Duty Insp. Phil Sinclair told reporters the incident was an "unprovoked" attack, judging from surveillance video. 

"We do understand this is a very deeply concerning incident. It happened during the daytime hours in a busy plaza when many patrons were out simply just shopping, getting their groceries," Sinclair said.

Sinclair said the woman had come from a supermarket in the plaza. 

Pestonji is the city's 22nd homicide victim of the year.

At the scene, a car was seen with its trunk open and evidence markers all around near Iqbal Foods, the only grocery store at the plaza.

Police said they don't know if there was any relationship between the victim and the suspect.

Sinclair told reporters that police believe there is no ongoing threat to the public. When asked how that's possible considering no suspect has been located, he said police are taking the situation seriously.

"We do encourage you to be aware of your surroundings. We are treating this investigation with the utmost of seriousness," he said. 

Some residents fearful after stabbing

But some residents are worried. 

Sruti Mohnty, who shops at the plaza weekly, said she was "freaked out" by the stabbing. Mohnty said she walks her two dogs with her mom every day.

"People are just going about their day and to think that someone can just come and kill you here, it's a bit scary," she said.

"We should be living in a safe country," she said. "It makes me very sad to see anything happen to anyone living in the community."

Nasrat Sarwary's family doctor is in the plaza. He said he's scared too.

"This area was very, very safe area. And people are very nice here too," he said. "I'm totally surprised."

Sarwary said it's especially shocking that the stabbing happened during the day time and in a busy plaza.

Coun. Shelley Carroll, who represents Don Valley North, where the incident took place, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that community members should not hesitate to reach out if they need support.

"I'm heartbroken to learn that a woman was killed outside of Iqbal Foods this morning," she said. "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."

Sharp weapon used in attack, police say

Sinclair said a sharp weapon was used in the attack, possibly a knife.

The suspect is described as a male between five-foot-seven and five-foot-ten-inches tall, wearing all dark clothing and a balaclava at the time of the stabbing.

Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.