TORONTO — August 16, 2025 — What should have been an ordinary night at home turned into a nightmare for a North York family when 8-year-old Jahvai Roy was struck and killed by a stray bullet as he slept beside his mother in their apartment.
The shooting, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, August 16, has left family, neighbors, and the wider Toronto community reeling with grief and anger over the senseless loss of a child’s life.
The Tragic Night
Toronto Police said gunfire erupted outside the family’s building in North York. One bullet tore through the apartment wall, striking Jahvai as he slept peacefully next to his mother. Despite frantic efforts to save him, he could not be revived.
Investigators believe Jahvai was not the intended target but the innocent victim of violence that unfolded just outside his home.
“This is a tragedy beyond comprehension,” a police spokesperson said. “A young child lost his life in a place where he should have felt safest — his own bed.”
Remembering Jahvai
Those who knew Jahvai describe him as a bright, joyful, and kind little boy. He loved to laugh, play, and spend time with his family. Teachers recalled his eagerness to learn and his infectious smile, while friends spoke about his playful spirit and generosity.
“He was full of promise, a light in every room,” one family friend said. “His future was stolen in an instant.”
Family in Mourning
In a statement released by relatives, the family shared their heartbreak:
“It is with broken hearts and unimaginable sorrow that we announce the loss of our beloved Jahvai. He was taken from this world far too soon by a senseless act of violence. Our lives are shattered, and the pain is something words cannot describe.”
Beyond grief, the family now faces overwhelming challenges — from planning a funeral to finding a safer place to live and seeking counseling to cope with the trauma.
A Call for Support
To help the Roy family navigate this devastating time, a fundraising campaign has been launched. Donations will cover funeral expenses, relocation costs, trauma counseling, and other needs as the family attempts to rebuild their lives.
Organizers urged the community to come together:
“Please, please donate generously if you can and share this widely. This family has suffered an unimaginable loss, and they need every ounce of love and support right now.”
Community Shock and Outrage
The killing has sent shockwaves through North York and the wider Toronto area, sparking outrage over gun violence and the toll it continues to take on innocent lives.
Local leaders and advocates renewed calls for stronger measures to reduce shootings in the city, particularly stray-bullet tragedies that claim unintended victims.
“No parent should ever have to bury their child because of a bullet meant for someone else,” said one community activist. “Toronto cannot stand by as this continues. We need action.”
Police Investigation
Homicide detectives with the Toronto Police Service are leading the investigation. Officers have been canvassing the area, collecting surveillance footage, and urging anyone with information to come forward.
As of Sunday, no arrests had been made. Police stressed that community cooperation is critical to identifying those responsible.
“We owe it to Jahvai and his family to find the people who did this,” investigators said.
Honoring a Young Life
Outside the family’s apartment, a growing memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and candles has become a place where neighbors and strangers alike gather to pay tribute. Plans for a community vigil are underway, giving residents an opportunity to honor Jahvai’s life and show solidarity with his grieving family.
“His light will never fade from our hearts,” one mourner said quietly while leaving a teddy bear at the memorial.
The death of Jahvai Roy has left a family broken, a community outraged, and a city searching for answers. As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear: a child whose life was filled with promise is gone too soon, and the community will not forget him.