Grieving Mother Remembers Son Lost to Stray Bullet in Toronto

Holly Roy is mourning the loss of her eight-year-old son, JahVai, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet on August 16, 2023. The incident occurred while he was in bed at their home in Toronto. As a mother prepares for the upcoming school year, Roy faced the unimaginable task of bathing her son’s body in accordance with burial rights in her community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, located south of Espanola.

JahVai’s life was cut short when gunfire erupted near their apartment. On that fateful night, he had been excitedly preparing for a friend’s party and was cuddling next to his mother. After hearing what they initially thought were fireworks, a series of gunshots rang out, shattering their moment of peace. Roy recalled how her son looked at her in fear before she desperately tried to pull him to safety. Tragically, she quickly realized he was “lifeless.”

Roy stated, “I ran with my son’s lifeless body to my doorway. There was nothing I could do but scream and hold his lifeless little body.” JahVai was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. His two siblings, Diondre, 21, and Khadijah, 14, were present at home and witnessed the harrowing scene. Both have previously experienced gun violence; Diondre survived a shooting in 2019, while Khadijah has been threatened with a firearm.

Following his death, JahVai was recognized as the youngest ambassador for the One by One Movement, an organization dedicated to reducing extreme acts of violence. His mother hopes that his name will continue to symbolize the work he aspired to accomplish in the future.

The ongoing investigation by the Toronto Police indicates that JahVai was struck by a bullet from another shooting nearby. Detective Sergeant Jason Davis from the police’s homicide and missing persons unit confirmed that two other apartments were hit but no other injuries were reported. Questions remain regarding the identity of the shooters and whether the incident was targeted.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw expressed the department’s commitment to pursuing every lead in the case. “We will ensure that those responsible for this horrible act of violence are held accountable,” he stated during a press briefing.

In her grief, Roy shared her anguish on social media, stating, “I don’t want to sleep and I don’t want to be awake. And I’m so f–king hurt and I’m so f–king angry.” She hopes that returning to Rabbit Island off Manitoulin Island, alongside family members, will provide some solace.

JahVai was widely regarded as a joyful and energetic child, known for his affection towards his family and his playful nature, often referred to as an “animal whisperer.” His mother fondly recounted how he loved spending time outdoors and nurturing connections with wildlife.

Following the tragic news, a sacred fire was lit on Rabbit Island to honor JahVai’s memory, with fire keepers tending to it daily. A procession on August 19 brought him from Island Funeral Home in Little Current, accompanied by fire trucks that saluted as the hearse passed.

The funeral service for JahVai is scheduled for August 20 at 10:00 am at the Rabbit Island Centre, located at 701 Rabbit Island Road near Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Roy family and their friends have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, support relocation to a new home, and provide trauma counseling for the family.

Additionally, a rally against gun violence is planned for Nathan Phillips Square on August 22, from 10:00 am to 14:00 pm. Organized by Roy’s workplace, the ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency, the event aims to rally community support for urgent action against rising gun violence. They encourage attendees to bring signs, drums, and wear JahVai’s favorite color, blue.

As Holly Roy copes with her loss, she has one request: “Remember his name; please, never forget his name.”