8-Year-Old Boy Killed By Stray Bullet In North York: A City In Mourning

Toronto is reeling after the tragic death of Jahvai Roy, an eight-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a stray bullet while asleep in bed with his mother early Saturday morning. The shooting happened at an apartment building on Martha Eaton Way, near Black Creek and Trethewey, just after midnight on August 16.

Police say multiple units were hit by gunfire, but Jahvai was the only one injured. He was rushed to hospital but did not survive. His death marks Toronto’s 26th homicide of 2025.

“This is a cowardly and disgusting act of violence,” said Det. Sgt. Jason Davis, who confirmed that shots were fired outside near a playground where a group of people had gathered. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“An Innocent Life His Been Taken”

Speaking on behalf of the family, community advocate Marcell Wilson described the loss as unimaginable.

“There are no words that can capture the pain of losing a child in such a horrific and senseless way. An innocent life has been taken, a family is shattered, and our community is mourning.”

Wilson, who leads the One by One Movement, emphasized that the shooting should serve as a wake-up call for the city to confront the systems and cycles that allow this violence to persist.

“When our children are not safe in their own homes, on their streets, in their own beds, we must acknowledge that we have failed them.”

Police and City Leaders Respond

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw promised that investigators would leave “no stone unturned” in finding those responsible, urging the suspects to turn themselves in.

Mayor Olivia Chow called the incident “a mom’s worst nightmare.” After speaking with Jahvai’s mother, she described the pain as “unbearable,” and called for every available resource to stop the flow of guns into Toronto communities.

A Call for Change

The tragedy has sparked renewed demands for action on gun violence. Advocates stress that it is not just about crime, but about the lack of support systems that leave communities vulnerable.

As Toronto grieves Jahvai’s loss, Wilson urged the city to unite:

“We owe it to him and we owe it to every child to do better.”

There is currently a GoFundMe camping going on to support the family: gofundme.com/f/justice4jahvai

Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers. 

Source: Reporting by Bryann Aguilar and Jermaine Wilson, CP24 / CTV News Toronto
Cover photo and the first photo in the article were taken from CBC / Courtesy of Holly Roy.
Second photo in the article is by Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/CBC.