Two 18-year-olds Charged with Murder in Toronto Shooting

Two 18-year-old men have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting that killed two people and injured five others at Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair festival last month. Police announced the charges against Jessiah Massaro-Gill and Lewis Downey at a press conference on Friday, August 7, 2026, revealing a significant revision to their initial assessment of the incident.

The shooting occurred around 8:10 p.m. on July 11 at the crowded street festival, which celebrates Latin culture, food and music. An estimated 13,000 people were in attendance. Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, both of Toronto, were killed. Quashie was pronounced dead at the scene, while Vernaza died in a hospital. Five other people were struck by gunfire and transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, though police noted some of the bystander injuries were life-altering.

Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated that the arrests represent significant progress but do not erase the tragedy. "What should have been a celebration of community, culture, summer and all that our city has to offer instead resulted in two people losing their lives," he said.