An eight-year-old boy who died following a random shooting early Saturday morning, August 16th, has come home to Manitoulin Island.
According to his mother, Holly, she and her son, JahVai Roy, were lying in bed in their North York apartment when shots rang out and JahVai was struck and killed by a stray bullet.
She says her son will be laid to rest in her home community of Wiikwemkoong (Wednesday).
A sacred fire in his memory was also lit earlier this week.
Toronto Police have no suspects at this time.
The investigation continues.
A GoFundMe has been set up by Charlene Small to help with funeral expenses, trauma counselling, and other related costs.
As of this afternoon, $60,000 has been raised toward the goal of $70,000.
The GoFundMe page states, “It is with broken hearts and unimaginable sorrow that we share the tragic loss of eight-year-old JahVai Roy, an innocent child who was taken from this world far too soon. In the early hours of August 16, while peacefully lying in bed beside his mother in their North York apartment, JahVai was struck by a stray bullet in a senseless act of violence. Despite every parent’s instinct to keep their children safe at home, that sanctuary was shattered in an instant.”
“Your donations will go directly toward: funeral and memorial service expenses, relocation to a safe and secure home, trauma counselling and emotional support for the family after this tragedy, and any unforeseen costs as they attempt to rebuild their lives.”
“Let us honour JahVai by standing against violence and showing his family that they are not alone in this fight for justice and healing,” the GoFundMe message adds.
