A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting of 16-year-old Kian Sam, which occurred inside a Tim Hortons in Scarborough. The incident took place on February 5, 2026, around 4 p.m. Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area of Lawrence Avenue East and Bellamy Road North, where they discovered Sam suffering from serious gunshot wounds.

Although emergency services rushed the victim to the hospital for immediate medical attention, authorities later confirmed that Kian Sam succumbed to his injuries. This incident marks a significant loss to the local community, highlighting the grave issue of youth violence and gun-related crimes.

In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement has made significant progress in their investigation. On the following Tuesday, a 15-year-old boy from Toronto was formally charged with several serious offenses, including second-degree murder, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of a loaded regulated firearm. Due to legal protections outlined in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identity of the alleged shooter remains confidential.

Kian Sam was not only remembered for his tragic death but also for his aspirations and potential as a young athlete. He was a student-athlete at Agincourt Collegiate Institute, where he pursued his passion for basketball. According to a recruiting profile on a U.S. collegiate sports website, Sam had set ambitious goals for his future, expressing a desire to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and compete at the Division 1 college level, as well as aiming for a career in the NBA or playing overseas.

This incident marks Toronto’s second homicide of the year 2026, underscoring ongoing concerns regarding youth safety and the prevalence of gun violence in urban settings. The community is now left mourning the loss of yet another young life taken too soon, with many calling for greater measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The authorities and local organizations are undoubtedly facing increasing pressure to address these pressing issues effectively, ensuring that safety becomes a priority for all citizens, particularly the youth. As further developments unfold regarding the case against the arrested individual, the community hopes for justice while reflecting on the importance of supporting and nurturing the aspirations of young individuals like Kian Sam.