Third suspect charged in connection with murder of 8-year-old Toronto boy, JahVai Roy

Toronto police continue to search for those responsible for the fatal shooting of eight-year-old JahVai Roy on Aug. 16 in North York. (child's photo Supplied)

Police have arrested and charged a third suspect who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of eight-year-old Toronto boy, JahVai Roy.

On Aug. 16, just before 12:30 a.m., police responded to a call for the sound of gunshots near Trethewey Drive and Martha Eaton Way, just west of Black Creek Drive.

There, officers found a boy in his home who had been shot by a stray bullet.

Life-saving measures were commenced and the child was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Investigators subsequently identified the three suspects, all of whom are or were minors at the time of the incident and cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The first suspect, a 16-year-old boy from Toronto, was located and arrested on Sept. 5.

He has been charged first-degree murder, possess firearm without holding a licence, possess loaded regulated firearm, possess restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and alter/make firearm automatic.

Police then obtained two judicial authorizations to temporarily name the two outstanding suspects.

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

A second suspect was taken into custody on Sept. 26 after a search warrant was executed in London, Ont. The accused, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident but has since turned 18, has been charged with first-degree murder.

The third suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was located and arrested on Oct. 19 in Oshawa by Durham Regional Police Service in connection with a separate investigation for drug trafficking and possession of a loaded firearm.

He has been charged with one count each of first-degree murder and breach of probation as well as two counts of fail to comply with undertaking in connection with the murder of JahVai Roy. The accused was scheduled to attend court virtually on Oct. 20.

None of the charges have been tested in court.

This investigation is ongoing.

Police are asking anyone with further information is asked to contact them at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.