Community members pack hall to remember young boy killed by stray bullet in Toronto

community of interests members packed a radclyffe hall on mon to go to a jubilation of life for an eight-year-old Toronto boy killed this month by a stray bullet.

The celebration in honour of Jahvai Roy, held at the Learning Enrichment Foundation, was billed as an event for people who knew and loved him, and for the larger community, to mourn "this smallest little man." More than 150 people attended.

Jahvai's favourite colour was blue, and there were blue balloons and blue tablecloths on round tables in the hall to celebrate his spirit. A large screen displayed images of the boy and his family. On tables, there were albums, photos and posters of Jahvai.

On Aug. 16, Jahvai was getting ready to go to sleep in an apartment unit inside a residential building on Martha Eaton Way, near Trethewey and Black Creek drives, in North York when gunshots rang out after midnight. He sat up in bed and was struck. He was pronounced dead in hospital.

Roy said she is still in shock over her son's death. She was with him when he was fatally hit by gunfire that came from outside the building.

"I'm surrounded by community and family, and I really haven't had a moment really to process what's happening," she said.

Jahvai was buried on Wednesday. A candlelight vigil was held for him outside his apartment building on Thursday, and a rally against gun violence took place in Nathan Phillips Square, outside Toronto's city hall, on Friday.

On Sunday, police released images of a vehicle they believe was involved in the fatal shooting of Jahvai. The vehicle is believed to be a white Acura, and police are asking the public for help identifying and locating it.

No arrests have been made in the fatal shooting and no suspect descriptions have been released.

Holly Roy said she feels confident in the ability of police to track down those responsible for her son's death.

"I feel like justice will be served," she said. "I feel like that they are really doing what they can. I am confident in their services. It's a hard reality, but I think things are moving forward."

Roy said of her son: "I feel like he's watching down. He was always a compassionate and social guy. I know that he's good up there."

Kiyana Johnston-Palmer, a cousin of Jahvai, said she is still trying to wrap her mind around the "devastating" loss of the little boy.

"It was a life stolen from my family too soon with so much life to live," she said.

Johnston-Palmer said Jahvai was excited to get older because then he could join youth programs.

"He was just so full of love, filled with life, so pure, and that's why we are doing everything we can as a family to really celebrate and live his name and make sure everyone remembers his name because gun violence really needs to stop," she said.

Johnston-Palmer said the community loved Jahvai. She said her message to the person responsible for his death is: "You have no shame in yourself, and I don't know how you sleep every night knowing that you stole such a precious soul away from me and my family and community."

She said Jahvai had "so many community aunties," and the celebration of life should not be happening because Jahvai should still be alive.

In a post on Facebook last week, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto said it sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jahvai.

"Jahvai was a bright, caring, and deeply loved child whose joyful spirit touched many lives," the centre said.

"When one spirit leaves, the whole circle feels the shift. We gather, we remember, we honour as this beloved soul transitions back to the spirit world."

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