The Toronto police are actively searching for a 14-year-old suspect connected to the tragic stabbing death of a 71-year-old woman, Shahnaz Pestonji, in North York. The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday in the vicinity of Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue East, close to Don Mills Road. Reports indicate that Pestonji had just completed her grocery shopping and was in the process of loading her purchases into her vehicle when she was violently attacked.
Despite being rushed to a local trauma center, Pestonji succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Detectives from the Toronto police have concluded that the assault was likely part of a robbery that escalated into a fatal incident. Detective Matthew Pinfold stated during a press conference on Friday, “We now believe this was a robbery that escalated into a deadly attack.”
The police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a 14-year-old male, Kymani Wint, who is being sought for charges of second-degree murder. Authorities have secured judicial authorization to publicly identify Wint, which is set to expire on Wednesday, July 23, at 4:00 p.m. He is described as approximately five feet seven inches tall, weighing 135 pounds, with a slim build. At the time of the incident, Wint was reportedly wearing black pants, a black hooded sweatshirt featuring “New York – 555” written in white, a balaclava-style face covering, and was seen carrying a black satchel.
According to police, Wint is known to travel within the city using the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and was last spotted around noon at Kennedy Station. Detective Pinfold emphasized the extensive efforts by the police in response to the homicide, which included door-to-door canvassing, deploying canine units and drones, as well as reviewing surveillance footage from the area. “We believe this individual is dangerous, and the public should not approach him,” Pinfold warned.
The detective also issued a direct appeal to Wint, urging him to turn himself in. “We are actively looking for you and we will find you,” he stated. The attack has sparked a significant emotional response within the community. Shelley Carroll, the city councillor representing the area, expressed her deep sorrow regarding the violent incident. In a statement shared on social media, she described the act as “devastating and senseless,” extending her condolences to Pestonji’s family and friends, as well as the broader community that has been shaken by the tragedy.
Councillor Carroll also mentioned that support services are being made available for local residents and businesses affected by the “violent” and “traumatic” event. This tragic case has highlighted urgent concerns regarding safety in the community and has prompted ongoing police investigations and community dialogues surrounding public safety measures in Toronto.
