Toronto police say a 20-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Toronto’s west end last year.

On June 7, 2025, officers responded to reports of a shooting around 10:06 p.m. in the area of Emmett Avenue and Jane Street.

Investigators said police arrived and found Jahkai Jack, 15, suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said the suspect fled the area before officers arrived.

Police said a 20-year-old suspect, Abdul Yeberebaba of Toronto, who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for second-degree murder, has been arrested.

On Feb. 27, 2026, Yeberebaba was taken into custody by the Calgary Police Service. He has since been returned to Toronto and charged with second-degree murder, according to a release.

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Finch Avenue West on March 6.

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Investigators from the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit announced on Feb. 26, 2026, that two other men had been arrested in connection with the killing.

Jayden Samuel-James, 19, of Toronto, was arrested on Feb. 24, 2026, and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

Rajveer Gill, 21, of Toronto, was arrested in British Columbia on Feb. 25, 2026, and is also charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

The Toronto District School Board confirmed Jack was a TDSB student, though he was not registered at a TDSB school at the time of his death.

The board said supports were provided to students and staff at Weston Collegiate Institute and York Memorial Collegiate Institute during the week of June 9, following the shooting.

Police continue to investigate.

2:41
Canada-wide warrant issued for Abdul Yeberebaba in connection to killing of Jahkai Jack

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The investigations into two targeted shootings that killed two men in Toronto and Vaughan, Ont., earlier this year share the same suspect, police say.

Investigators with Toronto and York regional police told reporters Tuesday that the deaths of Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar and Sergio Lopes are connected.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, the 37-year-old Raja Nandakumar was shot in the parking lot of Woodbine Shopping Centre in Etobicoke.

Officers found the Brampton resident inside a car suffering from gunshot wounds, which police described as life-threatening. He was taken to hospital, where he later died.

He was Toronto’s third homicide victim of the year. Global News learned Raja Nandakumar was a software engineer, and police believe he was targeted. Friends described him as a kind, helpful and soft-spoken person.

1:42
Police identify victim of Monday’s fatal daylight shooting in Vaughan

On Jan. 26, Lopes, 65, was shot and killed outside his carpentry business in Vaughan. It was just after 1 p.m. when police responded to 911 calls for the shooting.

The Richmond Hill resident had been shot multiple times; he was rushed to hospital, where he later died. Lopes was described as a respected member of the community and a loving father and husband.

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Police said the suspect or suspects fled in a black SUV, which was found on fire near Kipling and Woodbridge avenues.

Investigators said Tuesday that two 19-year-old men are wanted on first-degree murder and arson charges, and allege that one of them was involved in both homicides.

“It was similarities that led our services to speak to each other that then provided the situation we’re here today,” Toronto police Det-Sgt. Sandra Arruda said.

“I can’t get into the evidentiary nature of what seemed to be similar.”

Arruda did say one of those similarities was stolen vehicles that were used in the shootings.

Edmonton’s Isaiah Thomas Badger and Mississauga’s Jacob Wallace are the individuals wanted. Police believe they’re both in the Greater Toronto Area, and are asking the public not to approach them and to call 911.

“To Mr. Badger and Mr. Wallace, we’re coming for you. Turn yourselves in. Hire a lawyer,” Arruda said.

“To anyone else who has assisted these two individuals, including anyone who may be helping them evade police, you are committing a criminal offence. You will be investigated, arrested and charged where evidence supports it.”

Arruda alleged Badger acted alone in Raja Nandakumar’s homicide, while York Regional Police Det. Sgt. Jonathan Nauman alleged Wallace drove the getaway car in Lopes’ slaying.

Badger is also wanted by Edmonton police on outstanding weapons charges, Arruda said.

“It’s shocking to me that we’re standing here with two 19-year-olds wanted for first-degree murder, and for Mr. Isaiah Badger to be wanted for two separate homicides,” he said.

“It’s shocking to me.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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The mother of three siblings killed by a speeding and impaired teenage driver made a tearful plea for people to stop drinking and driving at a sentencing hearing for Ethan Lehouillier Thursday.

“Because of one selfish decision, three of my children are no longer here. They were so young,” said Jade Galve, who survived the May 18 crash, through tears.

“It has been so hard to cope with everything and the loss is unbearable. I can remember every single detail, especially holding my lifeless daughter in my arms, calling out for help. All we can do is keep the memory of Ramone, Jace and Maya alive.”

Court heard the family had been celebrating Victoria Day earlier that night, watching fireworks, and were on their way home when tragedy unfolded.

“Drinking and driving must stop. No one deserves this, especially my children. They deserved to live,” Galve, 35, said.

“I hope you remember the damage you’ve done and the lives you’ve taken.”

According to an agreed statement of facts, at around 12:30 a.m. on May 18, 2025, Lehouillier was exiting Highway 401 eastbound at Renforth Drive in a van and slammed into a northbound van that was sitting at a red light.

Six-year-old Maya Lavina, 13-year-old Jace Lavina and 15-year-old Ramone Lavina were all killed. The siblings’ brother, 10-year-old Avery Lavina, their mother and her boyfriend, 40-year-old Akash Paladugu, survived but were seriously injured.

According to the electronic data recorder in Lehouillier’s van, the teenager was driving 168 km/h five seconds prior to the collision, decreasing to 95 km/h one 10th of one second prior to the collision.

Lehouillier drove through the red light at Renforth and across the three southbound traffic lanes on Renforth, narrowly missing southbound vehicles. His vehicle then hit the median separating the northbound and southbound traffic lanes and launched into the air.

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Lehouillier’s van struck the stationary van being driven by Paladugu with such extreme force that it caused Paladugu’s van to roll over.

It came to a rest upside-down on the raised traffic island east of Renforth. Lehouillier’s vehicle continued east past Renforth over the raised traffic island and came to rest upside down on the Highway 427 on-ramp.

He was arrested at the scene. According to the facts, his blood alcohol content at the time of the crash would have been 185 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, or more than twice the legal limit.

On Dec. 15, Lehouillier pleaded guilty to three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm.

Galve said that she wakes up every day to be there for Avery, but she told court she wonders why the children were killed and not her.

“We will never understand why. We are currently seeking ongoing therapy to deal with the trauma that doesn’t seem to go away,” she said.

Paladugu, who spent five days in hospital after the crash, said he lives with constant guilt.

“My partner and I were doing what parents do, trusting that we would all arrive safely. I was driving and stopped at a red light, obeying all the rules of the Highway Traffic Act. I live with the unbearable reality that the kids were in my care when their lives were taken,” he said.

“I replay that day constantly, wishing I could protect them from something I couldn’t control. The guilt is heavy and relentless and a driver who survived and they did not.”

Maya was remembered as a little girl who wanted to be a big sister. Galve said her youngest child was a social butterfly with the funniest personality.

“The biggest little tattle-tale, she was very independent and never gave me a hard time. I miss my little partner in crime,” she added.

Galve remembered Jace as a smart, compassionate 13-year-old who knew when his mother was sad.

“He constantly thanked me for working so hard. I miss his goodnight kisses and ‘I love yous.’ Jace was the light of my soul” she said.

“Ramone, my eldest, loved volleyball, playing with PS5. He was well-liked at school. He worked hard.”

Assistant Crown attorney Jay Spare told the court that an appropriate sentence for Lehouillier would be in the upper end of the eight- to 10-year range.

Spare said a pre-sentence report found that Lehouillier suffers from a mild intellectual development disorder, moderate alcohol disorder and depressive anxiety disorder.

Spare added that Lehouillier told the author of the pre-sentence report that “he had seen videos on drunk driving and thought he would never do that” and “thought he shouldn’t be driving that night.”

Defence lawyer Christopher Avery told Ontario Court Justice Crosbie Kim Crosbie that this is “an absolutely appalling tragedy” and suggested a range for sentence of six to eight years, but said seven years would be appropriate.

Avery cited his client’s extreme level of remorse, the fact he didn’t even want to apply for bail, the lack of a criminal record including Highway Traffic Act offences and his youthfulness.

Avery told court Lehouillier has spent the last nine months at the Toronto South Detention Centre in a holding area where he’s only allowed out two hours a day. He explained that even protective custody is “too dangerous”.

Lehouillier was given a chance to address court before sentencing. He stood up and apologized to the Lavina family. “I can’t imagine your pain. So many people suffered because of me,” said the now 20-year-old.

“I am so ashamed,” said Lehouillier, vowing to do better. “I hope to be a voice so this will never happen to another innocent family again. This case is horrific and tragic but I’m sorry, this should never have happened.

A date for sentencing has yet to be set.

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Toronto police are renewing warnings about dangerous ice conditions along the city’s waterfront after a man fell into the icy waters of Lake Ontario.

A video circulating on social media shows the individual walking on harbour ice before suddenly breaking through and falling into the freezing water, struggling to get out.

The individual finally self-rescued. Police confirm he was not injured and was “very lucky.”

However, police say this is just one of many “dangerous incidents” that have occurred in recent weeks.

Authorities say the video is part of a growing number of calls involving people venturing onto unstable ice despite repeated public safety warnings.

“No ice is safe ice,” the Toronto Police Service Marine Unit cautioned in a statement.

Despite the pleas, many people have continued to tread on thin ice.

Another image shared by TPS showed a child unsupervised walking toward the edge of ice, next to an open body of water, while they took photos several feet away.

Police say officers have been responding regularly to incidents involving individuals, families and large groups walking on Toronto Harbour ice, often untrained, without safety equipment or lifejackets.

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TPS shared the video along with other images this week to underscore the risks posed by unpredictable winter conditions.

The Marine Unit of Toronto also stressed that ice inside Toronto Harbour is especially hazardous due to constant marine traffic and active ice-breaking operations.

The service noted that ferry routes to and from the Toronto Islands operate year-round, requiring ice to be regularly broken, while police and partner agencies also conduct training exercises that intentionally disrupt ice surfaces.

Recent fluctuating temperatures below and above freezing have also made ice thickness and conditions unpredictable.

Officials warn that what appears frozen from shore may conceal thin ice or open water nearby.

Toronto police say Marine Unit patrols and public education have also ramped up their supervision near bodies of water, to ensure the public remains safe and warn people of the dangers of stepping on ice.

Police also reminded residents that Lake Ontario and Toronto Harbour are part of a federal port where specific regulations apply, including restrictions on swimming outside designated areas.

If someone falls through the ice, the Marine Unit advises bystanders to avoid stepping onto the ice and instead attempt to assist from shore, using nearby objects such as branches, ring buoys or rescue equipment.

Residents are urged to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and remain mindful of rapidly changing winter conditions.

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Ontario’s inspector general of policing is launching a review of the province’s police services and boards amid accusations of corruption within Toronto police.

Ryan Teschner announced the probe at a news conference Monday, days after York Regional Police charged seven active Toronto police officers and one retired Toronto officer in their investigation, dubbed Project South, which looked into organized crime and corruption.

The allegations against those officers include bribery, obstruction of justice, drug trafficking, theft of personal property, breach of trust and the unauthorized access and distribution of confidential information.

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A day after those accusations sent shockwaves through the region, Peel Regional Police suspended three officers pending further investigation by York Regional Police.

“If there are vulnerabilities within the systems currently in place in Ontario’s policing sector, or in the standards that it must adhere to, it is essential that they are identified so meaningful, system-wide improvements can be made,” Teschner said.

“This provincewide inspection will be conducted under the authority of Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act, the province’s policing legislation, and it will focus on five defined areas with the ability to examine additional ones as the inspection unfolds.”

Teschner said those five areas are officer supervision and span of control, screening and vetting of officers, access to police databases and information systems, evidence and property management, and substance abuse and fitness for duty.

More to come.

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Ontario’s solicitor general — the minister responsible for policing in the province — is declining to speak about the arrest of multiple officers during an organized crime investigation that is rocking law enforcement in and around Toronto.

A York Regional Police investigation into organized crime led to the arrest of seven Toronto police officers and has now spread to neighbouring Peel Regional Police, where three officers have been suspended.

Claims against the Toronto cops related to alleged corruption, leaking information to an organized crime group and bribery. The charges have not been proven in court.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said Friday if the officers are guilty, they “deserve to be thrown in jail.” Premier Doug Ford said “bad actors” would be “held accountable.”

The man responsible for Ontario’s policing, however, has declined to comment on the scandal.

Global News approached Solicitor General Michael Kerzner’s office for a statement on Thursday and an interview on Friday. On both occasions, his staff declined, offering no comment on the police scandal.

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“Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate this interview. The Premier was asked a number of questions about the matter this morning, and yesterday. Those comments stand as response from our government,” a spokesperson said in a brief statement.

They said questions should be directed to local police.

2:07
Ford, Chow weigh in on shocking Toronto police corruption investigation

As solicitor general, Kerzner is responsible for public security, law enforcement and policing in Ontario. His ministry enacted a major overhaul of police rules last year, including allowing for some officers to be suspended without pay.

Ontario Liberal MPP Karen McCrimmon said that Kerzner should come out and take questions on the arrests, addressing the organized crime investigation to reinforce public confidence.

“This is serious, this cuts right to the heart of the relationships between the people and the police,” she said.

“It’s his job to address these kinds of serious issues; otherwise, why bother having it? I think we need full transparency, full acouuntability and we need to start rebuilding that trust.”

McCrimmon is calling for a judicial inquiry to independently establish how seven Toronto police officers were allegedly corrupted.

Ford, however, suggested he didn’t believe there was a broader problem to investigate.

“I love our police,” he told reporters. “Do we have a few bad actors? Yeah, they’re bad actors, they’re going to be held accountable, sure as I’m standing here. It’s an ongoing police investigation.”

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Toronto police knew it had a trust issue before seven serving officers were charged as part of an organized crime investigation.

A study completed by the police services board last year found public trust in the force was “strained,” with many concerned about misconduct and the uneven application of standards.

“From the public, we heard similar concerns about mistrust, systemic bias, and a lack of visible accountability,” part of a lengthy study found.

“Repeated incidents of misconduct and social media narratives reinforce skepticism, especially among youth and newcomer communities.”

Those concerns spiralled into a crisis on Thursday, when York Regional Police announced they had charged seven serving Toronto cops in a massive corruption and organized crime investigation.

The charges included allegedly leaking police information to an organized crime group that then carried out shootings, exortions and robberies. Other charges relate to alleged bribery.

Those charges have left police leadership in the difficult position of trying to explain and investigate what happened.

Global News crime analyst Hank Idsinga said the force had a lot of work left to rebuild already fragile public trust.

“I think you’ve got a lot of questions, I think you’ve got a lot of questions that haven’t been answered yet,” he said.

“Toronto, what the heck is going on down there? Especially if you take into consideration everything that has happened over the last few years in this city.”

Idsinga pointed out that, if the charges against the officers are proven, it could cast doubt on testimony they’d provided in other cases, potentially opening up a stream of appeals.

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“Maybe they’re involved in an armed robbery investigation from five or six years ago. And if they were a key witness to that armed robbery investigation and somebody was convicted and is doing jail time,” he said.

“I guarantee the defence lawyer from that case is going to look at that list of officers here involved and say, ‘Hold on a second, the credibility of this officer who was a key witness when my client was convicted is absolutely in question. I’m filing an appeal.’”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told reporters Thursday she would meet with Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw to resolve the issue.

During an event, the local police chief disavowed the accused officers, saying their alleged actions did not represent the service.

“The allegations against these individuals do not represent the Toronto Police Service,” Demkiw said. “They do not represent who you are. They do not represent what our organization is and stands for.”

Ian Scott, the former director of the Special Investigations Unit, said police had taken a “big step” in announcing the arrests and accepting there was a problem.

“But to some degree they are fighting a bit of a rear-guard action,” he explained. “The misconduct and alleged criminal offences have taken place, and they’re trying to put Humpty Dumpty back together again.”

There are those who say neither Demkiw, nor the police services board, nor the mayor can lead any investigation into how seven Toronto police officers were allegedly corrupted.

Ontario Liberal MPP Karen McCrimmon said the charges had shattered confidence in Toronto police — leaving the force at a delicate crossroads.

“These are very, very serious charges and it really does strike at the heart of the relationship between the police and the constituents. That trust and that bond,” she told Global News.

“I think this is very, very dangerous.”

McCrimmon said the provincial government must order a judicial inquiry into Toronto police and the officers to rebuild trust. Any investigation that isn’t open to the public, she said, would fall short.

“It’s not as important for justice to be done if it’s not seen to be done; it has to be both. It has to be fully accountable to the people and they have to have trust in the process so it can’t be manipulated,” McCrimmon said.

“For a full judicial inquiry, you’re before a judge and lawyers, there are guardrails … you know that the outcome is real. It’s valid, it’s legitimate. Anything else done behind closed doors or done informally will not have that same credibility with people.”

A spokesperson for Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner did not address questions and said only local police would answer them.

Premier Doug Ford appeared to brush off the suggestion, saying the investigation would be well-handled by local cops.

“The investigation is ongoing, so they’re going to continue their investigation,” he said on Wednesday. “I feel both chiefs are doing an incredible job, and they’re going to cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i.’”

Ford said the arrest of seven serving officers in a massive organized crime investigation should not shake public confidence.

“I don’t want to paint a broad brush or tarnish the police,” he said.

“We have phenomenal police officers … I don’t want the pubic to lose trust in our great trust, they are incredible. There’s always, (in) any organization, a few bad apples and the courts are going to decide.”

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