Police ID 2 suspects wanted in death of 8-year-old JahVai Roy after obtaining another judicial authorization

JahVai Roy is shown in this handout photo provided by the Toronto Police Services. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Toronto Police Services (Mandatory Credit)

Toronto police have obtained a new judicial authorization to name two teenage suspects wanted for murder in connection with the fatal shooting of eight-year-old JahVai Roy last month.

The first judicial authorization allowed homicide investigators to release the names and images of the two outstanding suspects.

It has since expired, but the two suspects remain at large.

As a result, in a news release on Friday, police said they obtained another judicial authorization and identified the suspects as a 17-year-old and 18-year-old, who was 17 at the time of the Aug. 16 shooting.

The two are wanted for first-degree murder, and homicide investigators believe they are in the Toronto area.

“The world is now looking for you,” Det.-Sgt. Jason Davis said during a Sept. 10 news conference. “It is time to turn yourself in.”

Roy was struck by a stray bullet while he and his mother were lying in bed in their apartment on Martha Eaton Way. The eight-year-old was taken to the hospital, where he died shortly after.

Police already have one suspect in custody, a 16-year-old boy who is facing six charges, including first-degree murder. The charges have not been tested in court.

When asked why all three suspects face first-degree murder charges, Davis said police believe the shooting was a “planned and premeditated act,” even though “the victim may not have been the intended target.”

“What happened on Aug. 16 was a senseless, cowardly act that extinguished the life of a little boy,” Davis said.

“Those that were responsible will be held accountable.”

With files from CP24’s Codi Wilson

Editor’s Note—Sept. 24, 2025: This article has been updated to remove the names and photos of the teenage suspects after a judicial authorization that allowed police to release their identity expired.