Savannah Kulla, the 29-year-old mother whose life was tragically cut short in a Brampton parking lot.

In the quiet suburbs of Brampton, Ontario, a routine Tuesday afternoon turned into a nightmare of unimaginable horror. On October 22, 2025, 29-year-old Savannah Kulla, a devoted mother of four, was gunned down in the parking lot of a bustling shopping plaza, her life extinguished in a hail of bullets that echoed through the community like a thunderclap. Hours later, as the sun dipped low over the Greater Toronto Area, an Amber Alert pierced the airwaves, alerting millions to the abduction of her one-year-old daughter, the youngest of her children. By the next morning, the suspect—Kulla’s ex-boyfriend, Anthony Deschepper, 38—was dead, felled by police gunfire in a tense standoff at a Niagara Falls gas station. The baby was recovered safe, but the scars of this tragedy run deep, leaving a family shattered, a community reeling, and a nation grappling with the scourge of intimate partner violence.

As details emerged on October 23, Peel Regional Police confirmed what many had feared: the woman slain in the brazen daylight attack was indeed Savannah Kulla, a vibrant young mother whose infectious smile and unyielding love for her children had endeared her to friends and family alike. “This is a heartbreaking case of intimate partner violence,” said Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah in a press conference, his voice heavy with the weight of the loss. “Savannah was a fighter, a survivor, but she was taken from us too soon.” The confirmation sent shockwaves through social media, where tributes poured in under hashtags like #JusticeForSavannah and #PrayForTheBaby, with users sharing prayers for the abducted infant who, mercifully, was found unharmed in Deschepper’s vehicle.

The story of Savannah Kulla is one that begins in hope and ends in heartbreak, a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in toxic relationships. Born in 1996 in the Niagara region, Kulla grew up in a close-knit family, the kind where Sunday dinners were sacred and laughter filled the air. Her mother, speaking anonymously to Global News, described her as “the light of our lives—a girl who dreamed big and loved even bigger.” By her early twenties, Kulla had relocated to Brampton, a diverse suburb west of Toronto known for its vibrant Punjabi community and bustling plazas. There, she built a life centered around her passions: fashion, fitness, and, above all, her children. Social media snapshots paint a picture of a woman full of vitality—selfies from gym sessions, candid shots of family outings, and heartfelt posts about the joys of motherhood. “My babies are my world,” she captioned one photo of her three sons and infant daughter, their faces beaming with innocence.

Kulla’s relationship with Anthony Deschepper, however, cast a long shadow over this idyllic portrait. The pair met several years ago, their romance initially blooming amid shared interests in music and adventure. Deschepper, a 38-year-old from the same Niagara area, worked sporadically in construction and had a history peppered with legal troubles. Court records obtained by The Toronto Star reveal a pattern of volatility: Deschepper was facing trial on charges of assaulting Kulla, with a court date looming just weeks away. Friends close to Kulla described him as “obsessed,” a man whose jealousy simmered beneath a charming facade. “She tried to leave him multiple times,” one confidante told CTV News, tears streaming down her face at a makeshift memorial outside the shooting site. “But he wouldn’t let go. He stalked her, threatened her—classic signs we all ignored until it was too late.”

The fateful day unfolded with chilling precision. Around 2:30 p.m. on October 22, witnesses at the plaza near Kennedy Road and Orenda Road reported hearing gunfire erupt in the parking lot. Surveillance footage, reviewed by investigators, shows Kulla arriving in her vehicle, perhaps for a quick errand or to meet someone. Moments later, Deschepper allegedly approached, words were exchanged, and shots rang out. Kulla was struck multiple times, collapsing beside her car as panicked shoppers fled for cover. “It was like a movie scene, but real—blood everywhere, people screaming,” recounted a bystander to CityNews Toronto. Paramedics arrived swiftly, but Kulla was pronounced dead at the scene, her body covered with a white sheet as forensic teams cordoned off the area.

In the chaos that followed, the horror deepened. Deschepper, police allege, fled the scene with Kulla’s one-year-old daughter in tow, triggering an Amber Alert that blanketed Ontario and beyond. The alert, issued at 4:15 p.m., described the child as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed toddler last seen in a pink onesie, and Deschepper as armed and dangerous, driving a black SUV. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) spokesperson Kerry Schmidt during a urgent briefing. Highways lit up with digital signs flashing the alert, while social media amplified the plea: “Find this baby—prayers for her safety.” For hours, the province held its breath, communities organizing impromptu searches and vigils in parks and churches.

As night fell, tips flooded in, leading Niagara Regional Police to a gas station in Niagara Falls around 1 a.m. on October 23. There, officers spotted Deschepper’s vehicle and initiated a high-risk takedown. Bodycam footage, expected to be released pending investigation by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), reportedly shows a confrontation where Deschepper refused commands, reaching for what officers believed was a weapon. Shots were fired—multiple rounds—and Deschepper was pronounced dead at the scene. Miraculously, the baby was found unharmed in the backseat, her cries piercing the night as rescuers swaddled her in blankets. “She’s safe—that’s the only silver lining,” Chief Duraiappah later said, his relief palpable amid the tragedy.

The aftermath has been a whirlwind of grief and outrage. Kulla’s family, reeling from the loss, gathered at their Niagara home, where candles flickered on the porch and photos of Savannah adorned the walls. Her mother, in a poignant interview with Global News, broke down as she spoke of her daughter’s strength. “Savannah was the best mom—always putting her kids first. She had escaped him before, but he kept coming back. We need justice, but more than that, we need change.” Kulla’s three sons, aged between 3 and 7, are now in the care of relatives, their innocent questions about “where Mommy is” shattering hearts. A GoFundMe launched by friends has raised over $50,000 in 24 hours, funds earmarked for the children’s future and funeral costs. “Savannah deserved better,” the page reads. “Let’s honor her by protecting her babies.”

Community response has been swift and visceral. At the Brampton plaza, a growing memorial blooms with flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes: “Rest in peace, beautiful soul.” Grief-stricken neighbors, many of whom knew Kulla from local playgrounds or coffee shops, stopped by to pay respects, sharing stories of her kindness. “She’d always wave, ask about your day,” one woman told CTV News, wiping away tears. “This hits home—it’s our backyard.” Advocacy groups like White Ribbon Canada and the Canadian Women’s Foundation have seized the moment to highlight the epidemic of intimate partner violence (IPV). Statistics paint a grim picture: In Canada, a woman is killed by her partner every six days, with Ontario seeing a spike in femicides in 2025. “Savannah’s story is not isolated,” said Cait Alexander, a survivor and advocate, in an emotional Instagram reel that garnered millions of views. “We must demand better laws, more shelters, and zero tolerance for abusers.”

Peel Police, meanwhile, are piecing together the puzzle. Investigators believe the shooting was premeditated, rooted in Deschepper’s obsession and the impending assault trial. “He was facing serious charges—jail time,” a source close to the case told The Star. “This was his twisted way out.” Court documents reveal a history of restraining orders violated, harassing texts, and police calls—red flags that, tragically, didn’t prevent the escalation. The SIU is probing the officer-involved shooting, standard procedure, but early reports suggest it was justified. “Our officers acted to protect the child and public,” Niagara Chief Bryan MacCulloch stated.

Beyond the facts lies the human toll. Savannah Kulla wasn’t just a statistic; she was a dreamer who aspired to open a boutique, a fitness enthusiast who ran marathons for charity, a friend who organized birthday surprises with flair. Her Instagram, now a digital shrine, overflows with memories: beach days with her kids, motivational quotes about resilience, and subtle hints of her struggles—”Stronger than yesterday,” one post reads. Friends recall her as “the glue” in their circle, always ready with advice or a hug. “She fought for her freedom,” one said. “But the system failed her.”

In the broader context, this tragedy underscores Canada’s ongoing battle with gender-based violence. The federal government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has pledged $1 billion for IPV prevention, but critics argue it’s not enough. “We need mandatory training for judges, better funding for women’s shelters,” urges Priti Krishtel of the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres. Brampton, with its diverse population, has seen a 20% rise in domestic calls this year, straining resources. “Savannah’s death is a wake-up call,” Mayor Patrick Brown tweeted, announcing a town hall on safety.

As the investigation continues, the focus shifts to healing. The baby, whose name remains private for protection, is back with family, her tiny hands a symbol of innocence preserved amid chaos. “Prayers for that baby,” echoed across social media, a collective mantra for a child who lost her mother but gained a village. Vigils are planned in Brampton and Niagara, candles lit in Savannah’s memory. “She’d want us to fight—for her kids, for all women,” her mother said.

In the end, Savannah Kulla’s story is a call to action, a plea to see the signs, to intervene before it’s too late. As autumn leaves fall over Brampton’s streets, her legacy endures—not in tragedy, but in the love she left behind. Rest in peace, Savannah. Your light shines on.