The 2026 Toronto Homicide Victim List is available here
Toronto police responded to reports of gunfire near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, the Salsa on St. Clair Festival at approximately 8:12 p.m. on July 11th.
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the shooting involved an exchange of gunfire between individuals who appeared to be targeting one another near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue. The gunfire sparked panic among festivalgoers, who fled the area in all directions.
Two men were pronounced dead, while four others were transported to hospital with serious injuries. two firearms were recovered at the scene
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Update July 13th: The victims have been identified as Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20. Images of both victims have been released. Police said the two victims knew each other.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, members of the Emergency Task Force carried out a search warrant at a building near Weston Road and St. Phillips Road. During the search, investigators recovered two firearms (not three), a quantity of narcotics, and Canadian currency.
As a result of the investigation, Jessiah Massaro-Gill, 18, was arrested and charged with:
- Two counts of First Degree Murder
- Five counts of Attempted Murder
- Two counts of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Restricted Firearm
- Two counts of Careless Storage of a Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited Device Knowing No Authority
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Restricted Firearm
- Six counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule I
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under
A short time later that same day, officers with Mobile Support Services arrested a second suspect. Police then executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, where they seized a handgun, a quantity of narcotics, and Canadian currency.
Lewis Downey, 18, was arrested and charged with:
- Two counts of First Degree Murder
- Five counts of Attempted Murder
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition
- Careless Storage of a Firearm
- Two counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Schedule I
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300.