A 14-year-old Toronto boy is facing first-degree and attempted murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a Grade 12 student inside of a Scarborough high school.
Jahiem Robinson, 18, of Toronto, was shot and killed at David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute on Monday afternoon. His name and photo were released by Toronto police on Tuesday.
The suspect appeared in court Tuesday morning after he was arrested Monday evening. His identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Police declined to answer questions from Humber News, saying a press conference will be held later Tuesday.
Emergency responders received a call for a shooting inside the school, near Midland Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East, shortly after 3 p.m.
When they arrived, they found the 18-year-old victim suffering from serious injuries. Paramedics were called in but Robinson died at the scene.
Police say the suspect approached Robinson from behind and shot him. The suspect then fled and chased a second 18-year-old victim, assaulting him and attempting to shoot him but the gun did not fire, according to investigators. The condition of the second victim is currently unknown.
TRIBUTES FOR THE VICTIM POUR IN ONLINE
The Toronto District School Board community is grieving Robinson’s death. Tributes and an outpouring of support for his family were shared on social media.
TDSB director Coleen Russell-Rawlins released a statement on Monday saying the board would be conducting its own investigation and offering supports to families and students.
“We will be supporting the student’s family in every way possible and will be ensuring that students and staff are supported at the school in the days and weeks ahead,” she said.
“I would encourage parents and guardians to contact the school should they have any questions or require additional support for their child or family.”
The emotions that children are feeling after a tragedy like this are complex, Joanne Smith, a social worker from TDSB told reporters Monday.
“It’s still very new, we are in the process of processing this tragedy. We cannot expect as the adults that children are able to process this in a way that makes sense to them … let them know they’re safe to share their feelings,” Smith said.
This is the city’s 12th homicide of 2022.