Two Arrested for Festival Shooting
Two 18-year-old Toronto men have been arrested and three more handguns seized following the fatal mass shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival on Friday, July 11, 2026.
Both accused have each been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder.
The investigation began after gunfire erupted shortly before 8 p.m. during the annual street festival, where thousands of people had gathered to celebrate along St. Clair Avenue West.
When officers arrived, they located seven people suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, 25-year-old Shaquan Quashie and 20-year-old Cesar Vernaza, both of Toronto, died from their injuries. Five additional victims survived after being shot. While their injuries were not considered life-threatening, police say several sustained life-altering injuries.
Speaking at a news conference at Toronto Police headquarters on August 7, Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe said investigators believe the attack was targeted.
“In the hours following the shooting, we said we believed the incident was targeted and that remains our belief today,” said McCabe, noting the investigation revealed that there was no exchange of gunfire as investigators had once believed. “As our investigation progressed and following forensic examination, we determined that was not the case. Although two firearms were recovered at the scene, forensic testing determined that neither had been fired. The evidence indicates the gunfire came from one gun.”
McCabe described the investigation as highly complex, requiring detectives to review hundreds of hours of security and cellphone video, conduct numerous witness interviews and analyze extensive forensic evidence collected from a densely crowded public event.
“That work,” she said, “led investigators to identify two suspects.”
On Wednesday, August 5, Emergency Task Force members executed a search warrant at a residence near Weston Road and St. Phillips Road, where they arrested 18-year-old Jessiah Massaro-Gill.
During the search, officers seized two firearms, suspected illegal drugs and Canadian currency.
A short time later, officers from Mobile Support Services arrested 18-year-old Lewis Downey in the Church Street and Wellesley Street East area. A subsequent search warrant at his residence resulted in the seizure of another handgun, suspected illegal drugs and Canadian currency.
In total, investigators recovered three firearms from these search warrants, all of which are undergoing forensic testing to determine whether any were used in the July 11 shooting.
Combined, the two accused face 37 criminal charges.
McCabe also addressed widespread public speculation surrounding the investigation.
“There has been considerable public discussion about motive and possible gang involvement, but we are not in a position to comment on those matters as the case proceeds through the courts,” she said. “What is clear is that this investigation is about the devastating impact of gun violence. Two young men lost their lives, five others were injured, and thousands of people who came together to celebrate their community witnessed an extraordinary act of violence.”
While the arrests represent significant progress, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw emphasized they cannot erase the tragedy that unfolded that evening.
“What should have been a celebration of community, culture and summer in our city instead resulted in the loss of two lives, the shooting of five others and many more witnessing terrifying violence in the middle of a crowded public event,” he said. “Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and everyone affected by what happened that evening.”
Demkiw credited the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit, the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, the Emergency Task Force, Mobile Support Services, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedic Services and the many officers and civilian professionals whose work helped advance the investigation.
The Chief singled out the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit for special recognition.
“This is a best-in-class team of investigators under the leadership of Inspector Ted Lioumanis,” he said. “Their clearance rate currently stands at 86 percent after finishing 2025 at 93 percent, and they have consistently maintained exceptionally high clearance rates year after year.
“But investigations like this don’t happen in isolation. They require resources. Our multi-year hiring plan is essential in strengthening our capacity in this regard. This is what effective policing looks like — front-line responders and exceptional investigators supported by strong technology, intelligence and community relationships.”
Demkiw said the arrests reinforce his continued call for legislative reforms aimed at addressing serious gun crime.
“We need stronger deterrence,” he said. “When someone chooses to fire a gun into a crowded public gathering, showing complete disregard for human life, the law must send a clear message that this conduct will be met with the most serious consequences available. Public safety depends on that deterrence.”
Addressing Torontonians directly, Demkiw acknowledged the lasting impact the shooting has had on public confidence.
“It shook people's confidence and left many wondering whether they could safely attend public events,” he said. “I understand those concerns. But I don’t want fear to stop people from enjoying everything our city has to offer. Our officers will continue to have a visible policing presence at festivals and community events across the city this weekend, and I encourage people to come out, support our local communities and enjoy time with your families and friends. As always, if you see anything of concern, please approach our members.”
Police continue to ask anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to contact the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit at 416-808-7400.
