In a tragic and targeted incident, police have taken two additional suspects into custody linked to the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Joshua Bernard-Reis in Scarborough. Investigators believe that the victim was specifically targeted solely because of the neighborhood he called home.

The alarming shooting unfolded on September 24, 2023, near the intersection of Morningside Avenue and Danzig Street. It is reported that Bernard-Reis was returning from assisting a family member with a move when the attack occurred. As he parked his vehicle and moved towards his home, four unknown assailants opened fire from a parkette across the street, hitting him and another individual still inside the car.

Desperate for help, Bernard-Reis was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, he succumbed to those injuries two weeks later, on October 8, causing immense grief to his family and community. The other male inside the vehicle, however, escaped without harm.

Initially, police expressed confusion over the motives behind the attack, noting that all four suspects fled the scene in what is believed to be a stolen vehicle after the shooting. Despite authorities announcing two arrests in January, progress on the case stalled until recently when 21-year-old Tyler Brown from Toronto and an 18-year-old male were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.

During a press conference, Det. Sgt. Brendan Price highlighted that the shooting may be representative of deeper gang-related tensions. “Danzig Street has had issues in the past,” he remarked. “But there’s a strong likelihood that the attack was a message to the street itself. These individuals were not involved in any crime or gang activity—they were simply hardworking young adults who unfortunately lived in the area.”

The police indicate that all suspects arrested so far have ties to gangs, while Reis remained an unknown figure to law enforcement. This incident exemplifies a distressing trend where innocent individuals become collateral damage in gang disputes. "We often see gangs targeting individuals from rival territories by carrying out such attacks," Price added, condemning this “disgusting” targeting of innocent citizens.

As the investigation continues, the community of Scarborough is left grappling with fear and uncertainty following this senseless act of violence. Local residents are urged to remain vigilant as police assert that they are not seeking any more suspects in connection with this heinous crime. The two suspects charged earlier, 19-year-old Jermaine Goode from Markham and a 16-year-old boy, are also awaiting their day in court.

This shocking event serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk within our neighborhoods, urging communities to unite against such horrific acts and to seek justice for victims like Joshua Bernard-Reis.