Teen Charged with First-Degree Murder After Random Stabbing in Pickering

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of an elderly woman who was randomly stabbed in Pickering, Ontario, on Thursday afternoon. Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira described the attack as "sadistic and cowardly, an unprovoked attack." The victim, who was outside her home on Lynn Heights Drive when she was approached by the suspect, was rushed to a trauma center but later succumbed to her injuries. Police have confirmed that the attack appears to be random and that there is no known connection between the victim and the accused. Following the stabbing, residents were instructed to shelter in place while police searched for the perpetrator. The city of Pickering also temporarily closed its facilities and canceled programs. The incident has understandably shaken the community and raised serious concerns about public safety. The investigation is ongoing.