The family of a man who was allegedly shot by a 12-year-old who has been released on bail is criticizing what they call a “devastating failure of the justice system” after the boy was granted bail again on Wednesday.
Police in York Region stated that the boy was out on bail at the time of the Aug. 14 shooting near Mc Cowan Road and 14th Avenue, which left a man hospitalized. The suspect, from Toronto, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with attempted murder.
Const. James Dickson mentioned that the suspect was released on bail following a court appearance on Wednesday for the Aug. 14 shooting.
Authorities say that the youth faces additional charges, including discharging a firearm with intent, possession of property obtained by crime, among other offenses.
The victim’s family issued a statement Thursday expressing their worries about the youth being released on bail for a second time.
“Learning that the individual who allegedly committed a violent act against our family is once again free in the community has left our family deeply unsettled and fearful,” said the release from the Daisy Group, which represents the family.
“The last few weeks have been a nightmare for our family as we watch our loved one slowly recover while grappling with how someone could commit such an awful attack against us has kept us all awake at night and holding our children closer.”
York police chief demands bail reform following fatal home invasionYork police are urging province-wide changes to bail laws after several violent incidents, including a fatal home invasion.
“The bail laws need updating in Canada; we must ask our leaders to take action so that repeat offenders remain locked up and can’t commit further crimes.”
This case follows numerous alleged homicides and home invasions across York Region and throughout Ontario recently, leading law enforcement and politicians to push for federal reforms regarding bail practices.
“Once again, we’re seeing individuals released on bail involved in serious crimes within our community,” said York Region Police Chief Jim Mac Sween during his news briefing about the 12-year-old suspect on Wednesday.
“We need legislative measures ensuring violent repeat offenders stay off our streets while also focusing on rehabilitating youth for public safety reasons.”
Police Looking for Additional Suspects
Dickson stated that police are still investigating why this shooting occurred and are searching for at least one more suspect. “We’re continuing to look into why our victim was targeted. That’s part of this ongoing investigation,” Dickson explained. The family is advocating for changes in bail laws, arguing that even though he is young, this accused could pose a risk to public safety. “This individual was already free due to Canada’s bail laws, and failing to recognize him as a potentially dangerous repeat offender-regardless of his age-is truly disappointing,” according to their statement. WATCH | York police chief calls for bail reform:
York police chief demands bail reform following fatal home invasionYork police are urging province-wide changes to bail laws after several violent incidents, including a fatal home invasion.
“The bail laws need updating in Canada; we must ask our leaders to take action so that repeat offenders remain locked up and can’t commit further crimes.”
This case follows numerous alleged homicides and home invasions across York Region and throughout Ontario recently, leading law enforcement and politicians to push for federal reforms regarding bail practices.
“Once again, we’re seeing individuals released on bail involved in serious crimes within our community,” said York Region Police Chief Jim Mac Sween during his news briefing about the 12-year-old suspect on Wednesday.
“We need legislative measures ensuring violent repeat offenders stay off our streets while also focusing on rehabilitating youth for public safety reasons.”
Concerns About Politicization of Bail Issues The office of Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General addressed concerns over potential reforms regarding bail in their statement issued Wednesday. “We’re collaborating closely with provinces and territories to revise regulations around both sentencing and pre-trial releases so law enforcement officials have better resources available when it comes time dealing with violent offenders,” spokesperson Jeremy Bellefeuille commented. “We look forward towards cooperation among all parties once proposed legislation is rolled out later this fall.” Tonya Kent-a criminal lawyer based out of Toronto-may not be involved directly but discussed general points related specifically surrounding juvenile cases she sees often presented before her courts across Canada. “Bail remains primarily upon Crown responsibility when considering matters involving youth,” Kent explained further stating ,“What happens here indicates prosecutors must demonstrate proof negating any possible chance granting release occurs regardless stemming from nature charge … evidence drives outcomes heavily impacting decisions.” She also expressed concerns alleging local authorities might be utilizing select instances purely politically aimed targeting specific sections charter without adequately informing public access full range conditions applicable concerning arrangements made previous while serving under such orders mentioned above.” Kent stated adamantly explaining why transparency should accompany discussions particularly those deemed necessary improving these types situations faced regularly within society today. ”
There exist multiple classifications pertaining Canadian system determining various forms conditional freedom via bonds including constraints applied vary greatly encompass house arrest ankle bracelets etc which go largely unnoticed by citizens lacking insight depth understanding crucially tied together forming greater picture creating sound judgment society deserves enlightened discourse surrounding topics touching lives communities everywhere!
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