The verdict concluded a five-week trial and five days of jury deliberations.
What happened in November 2020
Dante was walking with his mother near Jane Street and Stong Court in North York on November 7, 2020, around 2:20 pm, when he was struck in the neck by a stray bullet.
The bullet originated from a shooting involving two masked men who exited a stolen Honda Accord and opened fire on another vehicle in a parking lot. Dante succumbed to his injuries four days later.
What did the Crown say
The Crown argued that Chambers, Smart, and Hobbs went to the area with the intent to commit murder, wearing masks and gloves. They fired 36 rounds at the targeted vehicle, injuring three occupants. The defense claimed the shooting was a reaction to a perceived threat, asserting that one of the teenagers in the targeted car pointed a gun at them. However, the Crown contended there was no evidence supporting the presence of a weapon in the other vehicle. Chambers and Smart were arrested two days later outside a Canadian Tire store, each carrying a Glock 19 handgun. Ballistic analysis confirmed that shell casings from the scene matched these firearms. Hobbs was apprehended on November 12, 2020, in Halifax. During the trial, Chambers expressed remorse, stating, “I was disgusted with myself. I couldn’t believe I had caused the death of a 12-year-old.” He testified about his involvement in drug dealing from the age of 16 and his decision to carry a firearm for protection.
Dante’s death deeply affected the community. His father shared his grief publicly, and the family chose to donate Dante’s organs, helping others in need.
