A 16-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of eight-year-old JahVai Roy, who was struck by a stray bullet whilst lying in bed with his mother at their North York flat last month.
The arrested teenager, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, cannot be publicly identified due to Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced the arrest at a press conference on Wednesday, revealing that the youth was found in possession of a loaded firearm that had been illegally modified to fire automatically.
Two other teenage suspects remain at large, with Canada-wide warrants issued for their arrest. Police have obtained special judicial authorisation to publicly identify 17-year-old Ibrahim Ibrahim and 18-year-old Amarii Lindner, who was 17 at the time of the incident. Both are wanted for first-degree murder.
The Tragic Night
Young JahVai Roy was lying in bed with his mother just after midnight on August 16, 2025, when a bullet pierced through the wall of their apartment near Martha Eaton Way and Trethewey Drive in North York. The eight-year-old Indigenous boy was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Detective Sergeant Jason Davis from the homicide unit confirmed that whilst JahVai was struck by a stray bullet and may not have been the intended target, police believe the shooting was “a planned and premeditated act.” The charge of first-degree murder remains unchanged despite the child being an unintended victim.
“What happened on Aug. 16 was a cowardly act of violence. The life of an 8-year-old boy was taken away senselessly,” Davis said at the press conference.
Mother’s Heartbreak
JahVai’s mother, Holly Roy, spoke of the arrest bringing “a little piece of justice” for her son. The grieving mother had been lying next to her son when the bullet struck, a trauma that will undoubtedly haunt her forever.
The young boy, who was Indigenous, was later buried in Wikwemikong, a First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Community members have described him as having “the best spirit” and being “a good little soul.”
Modified Weapon Seized
The arrested teenager faces not only first-degree murder charges but also five additional firearms offences. Police allege that when arrested on Friday, he was carrying a loaded handgun that had been illegally converted into an automatic weapon.
The charges include:
- Possession of a firearm without holding a licence
- Possession of a loaded regulated firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowingly not holding a licence
- Unauthorised possession charges
The suspect appeared in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on September 6.
Manhunt for Two Suspects
Chief Demkiw issued a stark warning to the two outstanding suspects and anyone who might be helping them evade capture.
“I encourage both these individuals to turn yourselves into police immediately,” Demkiw said. “To be clear, someone knows where they are. A word of caution, if you know where they are and are found to be harbouring them or aiding them in any way, we will investigate and lay charges as appropriate.”
Police believe Ibrahim Ibrahim and Amarii Lindner are still in Toronto and may have others aiding them in avoiding arrest. The decision to publicly name the teenage suspects, despite youth protection laws, underscores the severity of the crime and the urgency of their capture.
White Acura Connected to Shooting
Investigators have also revealed details about the vehicle used in the attack. A white Acura, which police had asked the public to help identify in August, has since been seized. The vehicle was believed to have been driven by one of the suspects on the night of the shooting.
Toronto police had released images of the car on August 25, asking for the public’s assistance in locating it. The successful recovery of the vehicle represents a significant development in the investigation.
Community Outrage and Vigils
The senseless killing of young JahVai has sparked outrage across Toronto, with more than a hundred people gathering for vigils and rallies calling for an end to gun violence in the city. The tragedy has reignited debates about youth access to firearms and the proliferation of illegal weapons on Toronto’s streets.
Community members have expressed frustration that an eight-year-old child could not even be safe in his own bed, with many calling the incident a wake-up call for more aggressive action against gun violence.
Local councillors and gun violence advocates have demanded concrete solutions to address what many see as an epidemic of shootings in the city, particularly those involving young perpetrators and victims.
Growing Problem of Youth Gun Violence
The case highlights the disturbing trend of increasingly young people being involved in serious gun crimes in Toronto. The fact that all three accused are teenagers, with the youngest being just 15 at the time of the shooting, has shocked many residents.
The modification of the firearm to automatic capability also raises concerns about the sophistication of weapons being accessed by young criminals. Such modifications significantly increase the danger posed by these weapons, as they can fire multiple rounds rapidly, increasing the likelihood of innocent bystanders being struck.
Legal Proceedings
The arrested 16-year-old’s identity will remain protected throughout the legal proceedings unless the court decides otherwise. However, the unprecedented decision to name the two outstanding teenage suspects demonstrates the authorities’ determination to bring all those responsible to justice.
If convicted of first-degree murder, even as youth offenders, the accused face significant prison sentences. Under Canadian law, youth convicted of first-degree murder face a maximum youth sentence of 10 years, comprising a maximum of six years in custody and four years of community supervision.
Call for Information
Toronto Police continue to appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of Ibrahim Ibrahim and Amarii Lindner. They stress that anyone with knowledge of their whereabouts has a legal and moral obligation to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Davis emphasised: “If you have any information that can help us find these suspects, please contact police.”
Crime Stoppers has also been suggested as an anonymous option for those who may have information but fear reprisals.
A Life Cut Short
JahVai Roy’s death represents not just a family tragedy but a societal failure. An eight-year-old boy should be dreaming peacefully in his bed, not becoming a casualty of street violence that had nothing to do with him.
As Toronto grapples with this latest tragedy, questions remain about how teenagers gained access to illegal firearms, why they felt emboldened to open fire in a residential area, and what can be done to prevent such senseless violence in the future.
The arrest of one suspect brings some measure of progress in the case, but until all those responsible are brought to justice, JahVai’s family and the wider community will continue to demand answers and action.
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