Shahnaz Pestonja was stabbed to death by a 14-year-old./Image: Toronto Police Service handout.
Toronto police say a 14-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder after stabbing a 71-year-old grandmother, Shahnaz Pestonja, in a parking lot while she was trying to load her groceries.
Pestonji was rushed to an area hospital following the attack but ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Police described the attack as “unprovoked.”
Although the suspect fled from the area, police announced the arrest after a “coordinated effort by multiple units.”
A video the accused allegedly shared on social media, which has not been confirmed, relayed “excuses” for his monstrous act and might also have helped locate the suspect.
Shahnaz was a retired nurse, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother awaiting the arrival of another grandchild.
Former Toronto police homicide detective Mark Mendelson shared his insights with CP24:
Mendelson said investigators took the “fairly rare” step of seeking a provincial court order to release the teen’s identity and photograph, which he noted was from Toronto police – meaning that they’d had some sort of previous interaction with him.
He also pointed to the fact that the accused had allegedly taken to social media to post some of his “thoughts and excuses” online, which Mendelson said could have had a “component in locating him.” He also noted that police had said that the teen was known to frequent the TTC.
Mendelson also pointed to the work of cyber crime investigators, whom he said also likely played an important role in finding the suspect and building the case against him.
While the suspect’s photo was public during the manhunt, his identity is now protected under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Shahnaz and her husband Soli recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.
Her family spoke with CBC, and Soli shared, “She was the love of my life. She was the most wonderful person I’ve ever met.”
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