When Kevin Armstrong received an emergency alert about the fatal stabbing of an elderly woman in Pickering on Thursday, he thought he recognized the address mentioned.
The pastor, who had known the victim for over thirty years at his church, initially questioned if it could really be her. His wife called the woman and left a voicemail, hoping it wasn’t true.
“When we found out later on it was her, we were devastated. We were floored,” he told .
“She would have been welcoming to any person, any stranger coming up to her. She would have had her hands wide open to see what she could do to help them.”
CBC is not naming the victim at her family’s request.
The woman, who is remembered by the community as a retired kindergarten teacher in her 80s, was outside her home when she was attacked multiple times in what police describe as unprovoked, “sadistic and cowardly.”
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following an hours-long search that prompted nearby residents to shelter in place.
His identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Authorities believe he did not know the woman.
Armstrong expressed how tragic the situation surrounding her death is.
“She would be the first one to want to see this young man get help and the first one to forgive him,” he said.
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Kevin Armstrong knew the victim, who was a member of Forest Brook Community Church in Ajax, where he’s a senior pastor. (Talia Ricci/CBC)
He shared with CBC Toronto that her husband faced mobility challenges and relied on her care.
“This will be very hard for him,” he stated.
Described as generous, kind-hearted, friendly and witty by those at church, she was cherished within their community. Armstrong noted she participated actively in their seniors’ group and library committee.
“You wouldn’t find a better person,”he said.
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Peoples Christian Academy confirmed that she taught kindergarten there during the early 70s.
What we know so far about the fatal stabbing in Pickering , Ont.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder after an elderly woman was fatally stabbed in Pickering , Ont. CBC’s Clara Pasieka breaks down what we know so far about this ongoing investigation.
Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe confirmed that she was in her 80s , saying that news of her death has deeply affected people in town.
He mentioned speaking with neighbors Thursday , who described her as a “ very nice ” lady who often walked dogs around their area while also caring for her husband.
“ It ’ s obviously ripped the family apart. So it is very , it ’ s very , very dramatic and traumatic , ” he told CBC Radio ’ s Metro Morning earlier Friday.
Armstrong stated that his church will adjust their Sunday service plans out of respect for this tragedy.
“ We ’ ll grieve. A lot of people who knew her have broken hearts. We started that process already.”
