Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stated that those responsible for the death of 8-year-old JahVai Roy should face strict consequences if apprehended. JahVai was killed by a stray bullet while he was in bed at his home in North York over the weekend. Ford described the incident as "heartbreaking" during a press conference on Wednesday. He condemned the individuals involved, saying, "These are the punks that are running around with guns, terrorizing our communities. And a poor little boy lost his life."

The shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday outside JahVai's family residence, a high-rise building on Martha Eaton Way in Black Creek. According to JahVai's mother, Holly Roy, he was lying next to her when he heard what he thought were fireworks. Moments later, as he sat up to check, a bullet struck him through the window of their second-floor apartment. He was taken to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Detective Sergeant Jason Davis from the Toronto police's homicide and missing persons unit reported that the gunfire originated outside the building. While two other units were also hit, JahVai was the only person injured. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and police have not released any descriptions of suspects. Laurie McCann, a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, stated, "As soon as we have new information, we will put it out."

Despite the lack of charges, Ford criticized what he referred to as a "watered-down" bail system. He expressed concern that if the suspects are caught, they might be released by a lenient judge. "I wouldn’t be surprised if they catch these punks and some bleeding heart judge is going to (...) let them out," he said, urging the federal government to implement stricter bail reforms.

Ford's remarks coincided with a traditional ceremony held by JahVai's loved ones on the Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island. A video shared by JahVai's father showed a procession of cars and emergency vehicles with flashing lights driving through Rabbit Island, a nearby community. One mourner commented, "Fly high, sweet boy."

Holly Roy has announced plans for a life celebration following JahVai's burial. In Toronto, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for Thursday evening outside the apartment building where JahVai lived. This will be followed by a rally at City Hall on Friday morning, where supporters will advocate for measures to combat gun violence.

In the wake of JahVai's death, friends and community members have come together to support the Roy family, raising nearly $70,000 in just over three days. In a heartfelt message shared the day after her son's death, Holly Roy urged her community to "never forget" JahVai's name, promising, "I promise, baby, your name will not go in vain. Everybody will know it and Mommy’s going to go hard for justice."