Toronto police have arrested a second suspect in the shooting death of eight-year-old JahVai Roy, who was killed by a stray bullet while sleeping in his family's apartment. The incident occurred on August 16, just after midnight, at the boy's home near Martha Eaton Way and Trethewey Drive. JahVai was lying in bed with his mother when he was struck by the bullet and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Earlier this month, police arrested a 16-year-old boy, charging him with first-degree murder and five firearm offenses. Investigators identified three suspects in total. On Thursday, police executed a search warrant in London, Ontario, leading to the arrest of a second suspect. This individual has also been charged with first-degree murder and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday morning.
The third suspect remains at large, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the suspects cannot be disclosed, although police had previously received judicial authorization to share their names and photos, which has since expired.
The tragic death of JahVai Roy has sparked widespread grief and anger within the community. A shootout occurred outside his apartment building shortly before he was struck. Det. Sgt. Jason Davis described the incident as a "cowardly, disgusting act of violence," emphasizing the tragedy of a young boy being harmed in what should have been the safety of his home. "The saddest part of this is that this young boy was in bed at home when this happened," Davis said. "He was in his home. The safest place that you can be… when he was struck by a stray bullet."
The community has called for action against gun violence following this incident, highlighting the need for greater safety measures.