Toronto police say a 14-year-old boy is now facing a murder charge after the fatal shooting of a teenager inside a Toronto school. This case is shining a spotlight on what’s being called a growing problem, an increase in gun violence among young people in Ontario.
Toronto police say 18-year-old Jaheim Robinson was shot point-blank from behind Monday afternoon as classes ended at Mary Thomson Collegiate. Homicide Detective, Hank Insinga says “earlier today we were able to arrest a 14-year-old boy in relation to Jahiem’s murder. It is alleged that after shooting Jahiem, the 14-year-old boy attempted to shoot a second victim within the school.” However, the gun didn’t fire. The 14-year-old student then fled. He was arrested several hours later and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Deputy chief, Myron Demkiw says, “Toronto police deeply troubled by this case. The murder of a young person inside a school where kids should feel safe and secure is shocking to all of us and the service will do whatever it can to address these issues.” Toronto police say gun violence is increasing in the city, and the average age of those involved is dropping lower and lower. Demkiw explains, “this year alone one-third of homicides have involved victims or accused under the age of 20. Two have been under the age of 15 years. This fact is disturbing and demands that something must change.”
Just last month in Toronto a 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 15-year-old Jordan Carter. Also last month, three Oshawa teens aged 16, 16, and 15 were arrested in the shooting death of 19-year-old Malachi Elijah Bainbridge in North York. Demkiw says, “there is no rational explanation why a 13, 14, or 15-year-old child should have access to illegal firearms let alone feel compelled to use them.”
Several agencies say they are working together to address the issue including the police, housing, the school board, and the city.
Mary Thompson Collegiate was closed today and students shifted to online learning. The school board has made grief councillors available.
