Toronto police said on Friday (July 18) that a 14-year-old boy is suspected of stabbing an elderly woman in a parking lot, who had just finished shopping at a supermarket and was putting groceries into her car.

Police said the teenager, named Kymani Wint, is charged with second-degree murder and is still at large, considered a dangerous person. If you spot him, please call 911 directly and do not approach him.

14-year-old suspect, source: Toronto Police

Investigators said the attack on 71-year-old victim Shahnaz Pestonji appeared to have escalated from a robbery that occurred in a parking lot in North York on Thursday morning (July 17).

On the day of the incident, patrol inspector Phil Sinclair told the media at the scene: "Based on what we know so far, the victim was just shopping and preparing to return to her car when she was attacked. We have found no indication of any prior conflict or dispute."

The case has now taken a new turn. "We now believe this was a robbery that escalated into a fatal attack," said officer Matthew Pinfold at a press conference on Friday.

Source: Toronto Police

Pestonji was found with multiple stab wounds around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday near Parkway Forest Drive and Sheppard Avenue East. She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead later.

Police said they have obtained judicial authorization to release the photo of the juvenile suspect to help the public locate him.

This is the photo below. It's hard to imagine the eyes of a 14-year-old child:

14-year-old suspect, source: Toronto Police

New description of the suspect: approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds, thin build, wearing black pants and a black hoodie with white "New York – 555" text on the front. He was seen wearing a balaclava-style mask and a hood, carrying a black backpack.

14-year-old suspect, source: Toronto Police

Police are urging the teenager to turn himself in and urging the public to immediately call 911 if they see him, without approaching him themselves.

Victim (middle), flanked by her two daughters, source: Pestonji family

"Since the murder, the police have conducted a comprehensive search, including door-to-door checks, using police dogs and drones, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby areas, we are tracking all investigation leads," police stated in a statement earlier on Friday.

Victim (middle) and her husband and daughter, source: Pestonji family

"Based on what we know, we want to clearly state: we believe this teenager is very dangerous, and the public should not approach him."

Local councilor Shelley Carroll said she felt "deeply heartbroken" after learning about the attack.

Photo of the victim during Christmas, source: Pestonji family

"This is a shocking and senseless act of violence. I extend my condolences to her family, friends, and all members of the community affected by this tragedy," she wrote in a statement on social media.

Carroll said the city government has provided support services for local residents and businesses affected by this "violent and traumatic event."

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