Boy, 14, sought in robbery turned stabbing that left 71-year-old woman dead in North York

Former Toronto police homicide detective Mark Mendelsohn discusses how police may have located a 14-year-old homicide suspect.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to remove the name and image of the teen suspect as he was arrested on July 20, 2025.

A 14-year-old boy is wanted in connection with a robbery that turned into a stabbing in North York that left a 71-year-old woman dead on Thursday.

During a news conference on Friday, homicide investigators identified the teenage suspect and released his photo.

Det. Matthew Pinfold said police were able to obtain judicial authorization to the teen, who is considered to be dangerous.

The teen is wanted for second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Shahnaz Pestonji.

The 71-year-old was loading groceries into her car in the parking lot of a commercial plaza on Parkway Forest Drive, south of Sheppard Avenue East, when she was attacked and stabbed. Pestonji was transported to the hospital but died later.

“We now believe that this was a robbery that escalated into a deadly attack,” Pinfold said.

“Through reviewing the video surveillance, speaking with witnesses, and observing the person’s movements prior to the attack, we believe that the person intended to rob Mrs. Pestonji.”

The suspect remains at large and is believed to be using the TTC to travel throughout the city, Pinfold said.

He is described as five-foot-seven, weighing 135 pounds with a skinny build and was last seen wearing black pants and a black hooded sweatshirt with “New York - 555” written in white in the front. The suspect was also seen wearing a balaclava-style face covering and carrying a black satchel.

Pinfold said the teen was last seen at Kennedy Station at noon on Thursday.

“I want to be very clear. Do not approach this individual. He is considered dangerous,” the detective said, urging anyone who sees the suspect to call 911 immediately.

The detective said investigators are following up on several addresses when asked where the suspect could be.

“As far as we know, he’s very knowledgeable of the city and especially riding the transit system,” Pinfold said.