A man wanted on Canada-wide warrants for first-degree murder linked to the 2018 killings of Toronto rapper Jahvante Smart, known as Smoke Dawg, and music manager Ernest Modekwe, was arrested last week during a routine traffic stop near Calgary, Alberta. The suspect, whose identity remains protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, will be returned to Ontario to face charges.
The incident took place on June 30, 2018, when Toronto Police responded to gunfire near Queen Street West, resulting in the deaths of the 21-year-old rapper and the 28-year-old manager. A surviving female bystander was also injured during the shooting. Following the investigation, police issued Canada-wide warrants for two individuals involved.
The first suspect, Abdulkadir Handule, was arrested in British Columbia the following year and was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and aggravated assault, receiving his sentencing earlier this month. Evidence led police to believe there was another suspect still at large.
On January 27, 2025, RCMP officers were conducting speed enforcement on Edmonton Trail NE when they stopped a vehicle with illegal window tint. The male passenger attempted to flee, but police apprehended him shortly after. During the arrest, officers discovered a loaded .40-caliber firearm on him. Following initial hesitance, he presented false identification, which impeded his identification until officers linked him to the homicide investigation.
Once confirmed, the suspect, now 23 years old, was found to be wanted on multiple counts, including two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. His subsequent charges also included five firearm-related offences, resistance and obstruction of peace officers, identity fraud, and possession of property obtained through crime exceeding $5,000.
The driver, Alysha Chand, 25, of Burnaby, British Columbia, was also arrested for possession of stolen property and counterfeit money, and both individuals remain in custody. They are scheduled to appear again at Airdrie Provincial Court on January 30, 2025.
The arrests mark significant advancements toward closure for the victims' families as the community recalls the violent act during the lively Canada Day celebrations of 2018. Smoke Dawg had been on the rise within the hip-hop scene, even opening for renowned artist Drake just the year before his untimely death.
Toronto police stated they are coordinating with Alberta law enforcement to expedite the transfer process of the arrested suspect back to Ontario. While the timeline for this return remains unclear, the police have made it clear they are determined to see the case through and seek justice for the two young men lost to violence.
The 2018 shooting, captured on surveillance cameras, sent shockwaves throughout Canada, elevling discussions around gun violence within urban communities. Abdulkadir Handule's conviction can be seen as part of broader efforts to address and reduce such incidents.
While the family's grief remains, this recent arrest provides them with renewed hope for justice. The communities connected to Smoke Dawg continue to advocate against gun violence, pushing for greater awareness and action on related issues.
Reports indicate the young rapper was not just an artist but also viewed as a connector of people, and his loss was deeply felt within his community. Investigators hope this development may help deter similar future incidents as they pursue justice for all victims of gun violence.