**TORONTO, ON – July 18, 2025 — A routine morning turned tragic for the family and friends of Shahnaz Pestonji, a 71-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack while loading groceries into her car in North York on Thursday. The incident, which occurred in a bustling commercial plaza, has left the community shaken and prompted renewed calls for public vigilance and justice.
**A Senseless Act of Violence
The fatal stabbing took place just after 9:30 a.m. on July 17, 2025, in a parking lot near Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue East, close to Iqbal Foods, a popular grocery store near Fairview Mall. According to Toronto Police, Shahnaz Pestonji had just finished shopping and was placing her groceries in her vehicle when she was suddenly attacked. Authorities have confirmed that there is no evidence suggesting any prior interaction or conflict between the victim and the assailant.
“From what we can tell, she was simply just getting her groceries and going to her car when she was attacked,” said Duty Inspector Phil Sinclair during a press update. “There was nothing to indicate that anything led up to the stabbing. It appears to be completely unprovoked.”
Emergency responders rushed Pestonji to a local trauma center, but despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her death marks Toronto’s 22nd homicide of 2025.
**Suspect Remains at Large
The suspect, described as a Black male, approximately 5’7” to 5’10” tall, wearing dark-colored clothing and a balaclava, fled the scene on foot, heading toward a loading dock area behind the plaza. As of Friday, July 18, 2025, no arrests have been made. Toronto Police have released surveillance images of the suspect and are urging the public not to approach him but to call 911 immediately if sighted.
Investigators have deployed significant resources, including police dogs, drones, and forensic teams, to comb the area for evidence. The Homicide and Missing Persons Unit is leading the investigation, reviewing footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events of the attack.
**A Community in Mourning
Shahnaz Pestonji was a beloved member of the North York community, remembered for her warmth, kindness, and gentle demeanor. Friends and neighbors expressed disbelief and sorrow over the senseless loss. “She didn’t deserve this. No one does,” said Sruti Mohnty, a local resident who frequents the plaza. “People are just going about their day, and to think that someone can just come and take your life like this—it’s terrifying.”
The stabbing has heightened concerns among residents, with many expressing fear about safety in what is typically considered a busy, family-friendly area. “I walk my dogs here every day with my mom,” Mohnty added. “It’s hard to feel safe now.”
**No Connection to Other Incidents
The incident occurred on the same day as a separate fatal shooting in a Yorkdale Mall parking lot, approximately 13 kilometers away, where a man in his 20s was killed. Police have stated that there is no known connection between the two events, noting that the Yorkdale incident was not believed to be random, unlike Pestonji’s killing.
**Call for Public Assistance
Toronto Police are appealing to the public for help in identifying the suspect. Anyone who was in the Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue East area around 9:30 a.m. on July 17 is asked to review dashcam or security footage and come forward with any information that could aid the investigation.
Tips can be provided directly to the Toronto Police at 416-808-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com. Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation in bringing justice for Shahnaz Pestonji and ensuring the safety of the public.