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Toronto Vigil Honors 8-Year-Old JahVai Roy as Calls Grow to Curb Illegal Guns

Community leaders are pressing for action on illegal guns with a rally planned at City Hall.

At a vigil for JahVai Roy, there was a table lined with flowers, candles and photos of the eight-year-old boy, who was killed by a stray bullet in his North York apartment building.
Community members stop at a vigil in Toronto, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Jahvai Roy, 8, was struck and killed by a stray bullet over the weekend.
Holly Roy, the mother of Jahvai Roy, speaks at a vigil in Toronto, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. 8-year-old Jahvai Roy was struck and killed by a stray bullet over the weekend. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
Holly Roy, mother of Jahvai Roy, is consoled during a candlelight vigil in honour of her son who was murdered by a stray bullet in their home in North York, ON on August 21st 2025. Duane Cole/The Globe and Mail

Overview

  • At a candlelight vigil outside the North York apartment building, JahVai Roy’s mother urged mourners to remember her son and shared memories of his energetic spirit.
  • Toronto police say a bullet fired from outside entered the home around 12:30 a.m., rounds struck two other units with no additional injuries, and no suspects have been identified.
  • The child was laid to rest Wednesday at a funeral on Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island.
  • A rally against gun violence is scheduled for Friday in front of Toronto City Hall.
  • Officials including Mayor Olivia Chow and federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree called for action to remove illegal firearms, noting most guns seized in 2024 were traced to the United States.