14-Year-Old Wanted for Attempted Murder in Double Shooting: Toronto Police

Toronto police are looking for a 14-year-old boy wanted for attempted murder in a double shooting that left two men with serious injuries.

In a rare move, the Toronto Police Service has sought court approval to disclose the identity of the wanted youth, saying public assistance may aid in his capture.

Police say they responded to calls of a shooting at a home in the Danforth Road and Eglinton Avenue East area of Scarborough on Aug. 31 at approximately 5:10 p.m.

They allege that a young male entered the home in possession of a firearm. 

“The firearm was discharged, striking two victims,” Const. Shannon Eames said in a Sept. 4 press release, saying the suspect fled the scene after a 21-year-old man and a 22-year-old man were shot.

The victims were transported to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries, police said.

A suspect has been identified by investigators as Valentino Bethel, 14, of Toronto. Police have been given permission by the courts to identify the youth until Sept. 9, 2025.

The teen is facing several charges, including two counts of attempted murder, two counts of discharging a firearm with intent, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing possession was unauthorized, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, possession of a loaded, prohibited, or restricted firearm, disguise with intent, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

He has been described as 6-foot-one and 150 pounds. Police say he is “armed and dangerous.”

Anyone with information on Bethel’s whereabouts has been asked to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.

The Scarborough shooting occurred approximately two weeks after a shooting in nearby Markham, Ont., which this week resulted in attempted murder charges against a 12-year-old boy.

York Regional Police say the boy was out on bail at the time of his arrest on Sept. 2.

Police said a man was shot while sitting in his SUV outside his home. Authorities have not provided details on a potential motive, but investigators have said they believe the shooting was targeted.

The 12-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm with intent, possession of property obtained by crime, unauthorized possession of a firearm in connection with the shooting. He also faces two counts of breaching a release order.