A Brampton double-homicide investigation that began after a deadly shooting in April has led to the arrest and charging of five people, including three adults and two youths.
Peel Regional Police announced the arrests Monday, saying members of the Homicide Bureau have charged five suspects in connection with the deaths of two people. The investigation has continued for several months as police worked to identify those allegedly involved and gather evidence related to the fatal shooting.
“Gun violence claimed two lives, leaving families and a community to mourn,” said Duraiappah.
The incident occurred on the grounds of a school near Rutherford Road and Kennedy Road in Brampton. When officers arrived, they located an adult male who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
A second victim was found a short distance away near Weybridge Trail. The second victim was a male youth who had also been shot.
Emergency efforts were carried out at the scene, but both victims died from their injuries.
The deaths prompted a homicide investigation involving officers from the Peel Regional Police Homicide Bureau. Investigators spent the following months examining evidence, identifying people allegedly connected to the incident and pursuing information that could help establish what happened that night.
Police say five suspects were arrested and charged between May and July as the investigation progressed.
One of those charged is Jahnoi Bell, 21, of Brampton. Bell faces two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of the two victims.
A 17-year-old Brampton youth has also been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
A second 17-year-old Brampton youth faces two counts of first-degree murder as well as several firearm-related charges.
Those charges include having a gun without permission, having a loaded restricted gun, knowing about having a gun without permission, storing a gun carelessly, having a banned device, having a gun when not allowed, and having a gun with a changed serial number.
Because both accused youths are protected under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, police have not released their names.
The investigation also resulted in charges against two other adults.
Mcaium Aarons, 25, of Toronto, has been charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and breach of a probation order.
Jayden Christmah, 23, of Orangeville, faces a charge of possession of a firearm for the purpose of trafficking.
All five accused were held in custody while awaiting bail hearings before the Ontario Court of Justice.
Firearms have been a significant part of the investigation.
According to Peel Regional Police, investigators recovered two firearms during their work on the case.
One firearm was located at the homicide scene following the shooting. The second was seized after officers executed a search warrant at a Brampton residence.
The recovery of the firearms forms part of the evidence gathered as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine how the accused individuals may have been connected to the case.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to the police. Investigators say they will continue pursuing information as the criminal proceedings move through the court system.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah described the arrests as an important development in the investigation.
The case has involved months of police work following the deaths of two people in the April shooting.
“Two lives were cut short by gun violence, leaving families and a community to grieve,” Duraiappah said.
He also said investigators had remained focused on the case and described the arrests as an important step toward accountability.
The arrests mark a significant advancement, yet the charges remain allegations until proven in court. The accused individuals will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the judicial process.
Although five people have now been charged, Peel Regional Police say investigators are still seeking information connected to the case.
Homicide investigations can involve a wide range of evidence, including witness statements, forensic material, surveillance footage, firearm evidence, and information gathered through search warrants. Even after arrests, police may continue to review information.
Investigators are also asking anyone who may have information about the April 3 shooting to come forward.
People who witnessed suspicious activity in the area around Rutherford Road and Kennedy Road, or near Weybridge Trail, may have information that could assist investigators.
Even information that may seem minor could potentially help police establish a clearer timeline of events or identify additional evidence connected to the investigation.
The five accused are facing criminal proceedings before the Ontario Court of Justice. The court system will now examine their cases, scrutinizing the allegations through the judicial process.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act will ensure that the legal protections for young people apply to the charges against the two youths. As a result, their identities cannot be publicly disclosed.
For the families of the two victims, the arrests come months after the deaths that began the investigation. For the Brampton community, the case has also raised renewed concerns about gun violence and its impact on local neighbourhoods.
Police state that their work is ongoing, and investigators will persist in pursuing information related to the double-homicide investigation.
The Peel Regional Police Homicide Bureau at 905-453-2121, extension 3205, requests anyone with information about the case to reach out.
As the case moves through the courts, further developments may emerge as hearings take place and investigators continue their work.
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