A teenager is allegedly behind the murder, although the motive is still unclear
Toronto police have arrested a suspect in the killing of Canadian online poker player Matthew Bergart, who was shot during a home invasion in April. The 30-year-old was at a friend’s home in Toronto’s Etobicoke district when the incident occurred. Authorities described Bergart’s death as a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The suspect is a 16-year-old whose name cannot be disclosed under Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act. He had been wanted for months in connection with Bergart’s death and had a history of firearm-related offenses. Two other individuals linked to the case remain at large.
The arrest followed a chaotic shootout at a recording studio on Queen Street West, a popular Toronto area. The violence erupted after a video posted from a birthday party inside the studio showed attendees displaying weapons.
Rival gang members reportedly attacked the studio, firing over 100 rounds. Incredibly, none of the bullets hit anyone, despite the attackers using an unmarked police car for cover during the exchange. Police later apprehended one of the three attackers after a car chase, though two escaped.
Officers arrested 23 people related to this incident, including the murder suspect, all ranging from 16 to 30 years of age. Seven individuals face charges primarily related to illegal gun possession. The juvenile has been charged with second-degree murder, firearm offenses, and possession of prohibited weapons.
Police recovered 16 firearms at the scene, including assault rifles, all believed to have been smuggled into Canada from the US. The investigation highlights the ongoing issue of illegal firearms trafficking and gang violence in Toronto, with law enforcement continuing efforts to locate the remaining suspects.
