What to know
- Toronto police have identified the two men killed in Saturday’s Salsa on St. Clair shooting as 25-year-old Shaquan Quashie and 20-year-old Cesar Vernaza.
- Police say seven people were shot during the incident.
- Quashie died at the scene, Vernaza later died in hospital, and five others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
- Investigators recovered two firearms at the scene and are asking anyone with photos or videos from the area around St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue to submit them through the police evidence portal.
- Police described the shooting as a brazen act of gun violence that “shakes the sense of safety and security that Torontonians expect and deserve.”
- No arrests have been announced.
Toronto Police have identified the two men killed during Saturday night’s shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival as Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, as investigators continue searching for evidence and appealing to the public for help.
Police released the victims’ identities and photographs on Monday afternoon while providing an update on the ongoing homicide investigation.
The shooting happened at approximately 8:12 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where thousands had gathered for the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival.
According to investigators, gunfire erupted during the event, prompting a large emergency response.
Police said seven people were found with gunshot wounds. Emergency crews performed life-saving measures at the scene, but Quashie was pronounced dead at the scene. Vernaza later died in hospital.
Five other people who were struck by gunfire were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators also recovered two firearms from the scene.
The killings are Toronto’s 19th and 20th homicides of 2026.
Police continue appeal for video evidence
Toronto Police are asking anyone who was in the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue at the time of the shooting to submit any photos or video that could assist investigators.
Police have created an online evidence portal, including a QR code, allowing members of the public to upload footage directly to investigators.
Chief Myron Demkiw acknowledged the impact the shooting has had on the city despite an overall decline in firearm violence this year.
“Shootings are down over 26 per cent compared to the same time last year,” Demkiw said in a statement.
“But when a brazen shooting occurs in a public setting like this, it understandably shakes the sense of safety and security that Torontonians expect and deserve.”
Police are also encouraging anyone with information about illegal firearms or the shooting to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests had been announced as of Monday afternoon.
The shooting brought the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival to an abrupt end on Saturday night. Organizers cancelled Sunday’s programming, saying the decision was made “due to the complex police investigations at the scene.”
“Our thoughts are with the families of the two persons killed, those who were injured, and everyone affected by this senseless violence,” Salsa in Toronto, the organization behind the festival, said in a statement posted to Instagram.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as festivalgoers fled after gunfire erupted Saturday evening. Videos shared on social media captured large crowds running from the area while emergency responders rushed to the scene.
The investigation remains one of Toronto Police’s highest-profile active homicide cases. Officers have already appealed for videos, photos and eyewitness accounts from anyone who attended the festival, and Monday’s update expands that request as detectives continue working to identify those responsible.
