A tranquil neighborhood in Pickering was shattered on Thursday afternoon after an elderly woman in her 80s was brutally attacked and fatally stabbed while tending to her garden — a shocking act of unprovoked violence that has left the city reeling.

The woman, identified by neighbors as Eleanor, a retired kindergarten teacher and longtime resident of the area, was outside her home near Lynn Heights and Liverpool Road when the suspect approached and attacked her.

“A Sadistic and Cowardly Attack”

According to Durham Regional Police, the stabbing was captured on video, and investigators believe the attacker was not known to the victim.

“This was a sadistic and cowardly, unprovoked attack,” said DRPS Insp. Chris Moreira.
“The suspect approached the woman, spoke briefly, then stabbed her multiple times and fled.”

The victim was rushed to a Toronto-area trauma center, where she succumbed to her injuries. Police arrived at the scene just after 3:00 p.m., responding to reports of “unknown trouble.”

Pickering Mayor: “A Senseless Act of Violence”

In a somber statement, Mayor Kevin Ashe called the attack “senseless” and expressed solidarity with the grieving family, saying:

“When one part of our community is hurting, we all are hurting. I offer my deepest condolences to the victim’s family on behalf of all Pickering residents.”

As a precaution, the city made the decision to shutter public facilities and cancel programming for the evening. Local sports leagues also halted activities in support of the community.

“She Was Just Gardening”: Community in Shock

Neighbors describe Eleanor as a kind, gentle woman who lived in the home with her husband. Many recalled her smiling face and her love of flowers.

“She was just gardening… just doing what she loved. It’s unthinkable that something like this could happen here,” one neighbor told CTV News Toronto.

This is Pickering’s second homicide of the year.

Massive Manhunt Underway

Police say they deployed every available resource, including helicopters, drones, K9 units, and tactical officers in a city-wide search for the suspect, who remains at large.

The suspect is described as:

  • Brown male
  • Wearing a surgical mask
  • Dressed in a long black, skinny jacket
  • Carrying a black bag
  • Last seen fleeing eastbound on foot along Lynn Heights

“We believe him to be armed and still in the area,” said Moreira.

How You Can Help

Police are urging anyone with home security footage, dash cam recordings, or information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers.