The family impacted by a recent shooting incident in Markham is expressing their dismay over the release of a 12-year-old accused of attempted murder on bail. The young boy, who hails from Toronto, was arrested on September 2 and charged with several serious offenses following the shooting on August 14 near McCowan Road and 14th Avenue.
The victim’s family, in a statement, shared a mix of emotions ranging from relief at the swift arrest by York Regional Police to outrage over the accused already being out on bail despite previous violent charges. The incident has prompted calls for urgent reforms in Canada’s bail laws to prevent potentially dangerous individuals, regardless of age, from reoffending.
Raising doubts about the 12-year-old acting alone, the family hinted at possible accomplices involved in the orchestrated crime, including a driver who fled the scene with the alleged shooter. Their concerns were echoed by York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween at a press conference, emphasizing the need for legislative changes to ensure repeat offenders are not released back onto the streets.
Despite gratitude for community and police support, the family expressed deep unease and fear knowing the individual accused of the violent act is once again at large in the community.