Toronto is mourning the tragic death of eight-year-old Jahvai Roy, who was shot in his own bed. His mother, Holly Roy, shared her heartbreak in a Facebook post, urging the community to remember her son’s name. “Remember his name! Never forget his name!” she wrote, emphasizing the innocence of her child, who was a victim of gun violence.

Jahvai was killed during a shooting incident that occurred while he was lying beside his mother. Holly recounted the horrifying moment, stating, “We were in bed!! He was laying beside me and then we heard the shots! Two shots... My baby sat up. The last look he gave me was fear!” She described the chaos that followed, saying, “I went to grab my son to put him on the floor and he was lifeless!”

The shooting took place in the Black Creek-Trethaway Drive area, where a group of individuals was reportedly in a nearby playground when the gunfire erupted. Toronto Police confirmed that a stray bullet struck Jahvai. Homicide Det.-Sgt. Jason Davis noted that the bullet came from below, indicating a targeted shooting in the vicinity.

As the investigation continues, police are actively searching for those responsible. “This is still a very active and ongoing investigation,” said Toronto Police media spokesperson Stephanie Miceli. Chief Myron Demkiw has urged those involved to seek legal counsel and turn themselves in.

Holly Roy expressed her devastation, stating, “His blood sprayed all over me. I couldn’t even look at him. I knew where the bullet went!” She plans to bury Jahvai in a pair of Jordan sneakers, as he loved his shoes, and will hold a celebration of his life in Toronto after the burial.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses, raising over $43,000 by Monday afternoon. Holly’s plea for remembrance highlights a broader issue of gun violence affecting young people in Toronto.

The city has seen numerous young victims of gun violence in recent years, raising concerns about safety and the need for change. Previous cases include 12-year-old Dante Andreatta Marroquin, who was shot while walking home in 2020, and 15-year-old Mario Giddings, who was killed in a targeted shooting earlier this month.

Holly Roy’s call to action resonates with many, as the community grapples with the loss of innocent lives. “I want everyone to come and eat and share stories of him, I want everyone to remember his name,” she said. The tragic death of Jahvai Roy serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in Toronto.