Police identify victim in fatal North York shooting, 4 suspects at large

Toronto police say four suspects jumped out of a white or light-coloured SUV and fatally shot a young man in North York just after midnight on Tuesday.

In an update Tuesday afternoon, Det. Sgt. Mike Taylor identified the victim as Ajay Simpson, 20, of Toronto.

Taylor said Simpson was shot on Falstaff Avenue, between Jane Street and Wilson Avenue.

He was rushed to a local trauma centre, where he was pronounced dead.

“I have identified a white SUV responsible for the shooting. I can also identify within that white SUV there were four persons that exited the vehicle,” Taylor said. “I can tell you that all four were armed with handguns.”

Taylor said the suspects fired “multiple shots” but he couldn’t provide descriptions of the culprits.

“What I can tell you from this incident is that gun violence is very traumatic and impacts a lot of people,” Taylor said, looking back at a playground that was near the scene of the fatal shooting.

Taylor is appealing for any witnesses or residents with video to come forward to aid the investigation.

A community pastor tells CityNews that locals have been in touch with the victim’s family.

City councillor Frances Nunziata (York South-Weston) commented on the fatal shooting, saying a nearby community centre remains open.

“Police are continuing their investigation, but no suspects have been identified yet,” Nunziata wrote on X. “I will update you as more information emerges.”