TORONTO, ON – Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of 8-year-old JahVai Roy and warned of an alarming trend in youth-related homicides during remarks delivered on September 11, 2025.
JahVai Roy was killed by a stray bullet in his home a few weeks ago. A young person has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, and police have released the names of two remaining suspects. Describing the act as “an unimaginable crime,” Chief Demkiw said the department is doing everything it can to prevent gun violence and protect affected families and communities.
“This year in 2025, 13 youths have been accused so far in relation to homicides in our city,” said Demkiw. “That’s not ok. That’s not acceptable.”
The Chief called the statistics a “call-to-action” for all levels of government to step up and work collaboratively to improve community safety and wellbeing.
The remarks were part of a broader update to the Toronto Police Services Board, during which officials also reported a 51% decline in homicides this year (30 compared to 61 at this time last year), and a 40% reduction in shootings and firearm discharges. So far in 2025, police have seized 405 crime guns.
Chief Demkiw emphasized that the Service is developing a renewed operational roadmap centered on community safety, which includes targeting repeat violent offenders and enhancing partnerships across health, housing, and social services.
The announcement concluded with the introduction of 29 newly promoted Inspectors, described as essential to implementing the Service’s priorities and reforms.
