The Toronto Police Service has announced two additional arrests in connection with the fatal shooting of Joshua Bernard-Reis, 21, in Scarborough on September 24, 2023. Detective Sergeant Brandon Price of the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit provided the update during a news conference at Toronto Police Headquarters on Thursday.
On the night of September 24, police responded to a shooting reported at approximately 11:17 p.m. near the intersection of Morningside Avenue and Danzig Street in Scarborough. Upon arrival, officers found Joshua Bernard-Reis suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries on October 8, 2023.
The investigation initially led to the arrest of Jermaine Goode, 19, of Markham, on November 6, 2023. Goode was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. Subsequently, on January 25, 2024, a 16-year-old male from Brampton was apprehended and charged with the same offenses. Due to his age, his identity remains protected under Section 110, Subsection 1 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Detective Sergeant Price announced that on December 30, 2024, two more suspects were taken into custody:
- Tyler Brown, 21, of Toronto – Charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. Brown is scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on December 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
- An 18-year-old male from Brampton – Also charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. His court appearance is set for December 31, 2024, at the New Toronto Court House.
The 18-year-old remains unidentified in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Detective Sergeant Price detailed that on the night of the shooting, Bernard-Reis was returning home after assisting a family member with a move. As he approached his residence, four suspects fired multiple handgun rounds from across the street in a nearby parkette. Another individual in Bernard-Reis’s vehicle sustained injuries but managed to escape the scene.
Price indicated that the investigation revealed the suspects have affiliations with local gangs, although the victims, including Bernard-Reis, had no known involvement in criminal activities or gang associations. He suggested that the shooting may have been intended as a message rather than a targeted attack on Bernard-Reis specifically.
“The arrests of these four individuals underscore our commitment to addressing gun violence and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Detective Sergeant Price. He emphasized that the investigation has been thorough, involving extensive evidence gathering and collaboration with regional police forces.
All four suspects are currently in custody and have attended their respective court hearings as scheduled. The legal process will continue to determine their involvement and any potential cooperation with law enforcement.
The Toronto Police Service encourages contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.