Toronto Police have identified the two men killed in a violent incident at a street festival on Saturday night. The victims have been identified as Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20. This incident marks Toronto's 19th and 20th homicides of 2026.
According to police, six individuals were found with gunshot wounds, and two people were pronounced dead at the scene. In addition to the fatalities, a 40-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman, and another female were among those injured in the incident.
Police recovered two firearms at the scene and reported that a vehicle was seen leaving the area. The festival was promptly cancelled on Sunday. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated that police believe the shootings were targeted.
During a news conference on Monday, Demkiw mentioned that shootings are down over 26% compared to the same time last year. However, he emphasized that a brazen shooting in a public setting like this understandably shakes the sense of safety and security that residents expect and deserve.
A law enforcement source provided additional details, stating that both victims had guns on them and were part of the shooting. According to this source, the victims "signed their own death warrants" and "caused this tragedy" by starting the gunplay.
Police are currently not releasing any information on suspects. Investigators are seeking video footage and images from anyone who may have been in the area of St. Clair Ave. W. and Arlington Ave. at the time of the shooting.
A fundraising campaign has been created for one of the victims, Cesar Vernaza, which has raised over $16,000 as of Monday afternoon.
