The Toronto Police Service has arrested three people and seized two firearms in connection with a number of recent shooting investigations in the GTA – including the recent death of a police officer – that they believe is part of a larger criminals-for-hire scheme.
One suspect, 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett of Toronto has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto during a recent raid on a residential property.
Jayon Burgher (left) and Sheldon Tracey-Stewart (right) (Toronto Police Service)
Eighteen-year-old Jayon Burgher of Barrie was arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that targeted a home in Oakville in March, while 18-year-old Sheldon Tracey-Stewart of Toronto has been charged in connection with a shooting at the U.S. Consulate on March 10th.
Toronto Police are also seeing 19-year-old Zara Jabbi in connection with the U.S. Consulate shooting.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says two firearms have been seized in connection with the investigation.
“A 9 mm handgun, and a .45 caliber handgun, both of which originated in the United States of America. These details are important, as this investigation involves at least six shooting incidents in the greater Toronto area linked to a 9 mm handgun and at least 21 shooting incidents in the GTA linked to a .45 caliber firearm.”
Chief Demkiw says they’re seeing an increase in incidents involving the recruitment of young people to carry out attacks.
He says young people are being hired to carry out attacks against various targets using encrypted messaging apps. that includes attacks against synagogues and Jewish schools. “In order to get paid, (the recruits) are required to film their attacks. Who is paying for this? This is what we are trying to determine.” Toronto police are working with the RCMP and the FBI to determine who is ultimately behind the attacks.
