In a dramatic turn of events, a man sought in connection with a 2018 double homicide in Toronto has been apprehended in Alberta, concluding a years-long manhunt that spanned provinces. The arrest, stemming from a routine traffic stop, unearthed a concealed firearm and a suspect’s attempt to evade capture, shedding light on the complex web of events surrounding the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of rapper Smoke Dawg and Ernest Modekwe.
The incident unfolded in Airdrie, a city just north of Calgary, on January 27, 2025. RCMP officers, initially pulling over a vehicle for speeding and illegal window tint, uncovered evidence suggesting criminal activity. The subsequent arrest of both the male passenger and female driver took an unexpected turn as the man attempted to flee on foot. A brief pursuit ensued, culminating in the suspect’s apprehension and the discovery of a loaded 40-calibre firearm on his person. Further investigation revealed the man’s true identity, which he had attempted to conceal using false identification. This revelation unveiled his connection to the 2018 Toronto shooting, for which he was wanted on Canada-wide warrants for two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.
The 2018 shooting, a tragic event that shook Toronto’s music scene, claimed the lives of 21-year-old Jahvante Smart, professionally known as Smoke Dawg, and 28-year-old Ernest Modekwe. The incident occurred outside a downtown Toronto nightclub on June 30, 2018, also leaving a woman injured. The arrest of the suspect in Alberta brings a renewed focus on the case, potentially offering closure to the victims’ families and the community affected by the violence. The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed due to his age at the time of the alleged murders, having been under 18 in 2018.
The arrest in Alberta marks a significant development in the case, following the 2022 conviction of Abdulkadir Handule, who was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the same shooting. Handule’s arrest in British Columbia a year after the incident highlighted the extensive investigative efforts involved. The recent apprehension of the second suspect further underscores the commitment of law enforcement to pursuing justice for the victims.
Beyond the murder warrants, the apprehended suspect now faces an array of charges stemming from the Alberta traffic stop. These include firearm offences related to the loaded weapon found in his possession, as well as charges of identity fraud for his attempt to mislead authorities with false identification. The 25-year-old female driver of the vehicle has also been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and counterfeit money, suggesting a broader criminal context surrounding the traffic stop.
The arrest provides a crucial piece in the puzzle of the 2018 Toronto shooting, offering potential answers and a path towards justice for the victims and their families. While the legal proceedings unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence and the importance of persistent investigative work in bringing those responsible to account. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies across provinces further highlights the collective effort to address serious crimes and ensure public safety. The details surrounding the suspect’s motives and his connection to the events of 2018 are yet to fully emerge, promising further developments as the case progresses through the legal system.
