Teen dead after overnight Scarborough shooting, police say

A 16-year-old boy has died after he was shot overnight in Scarborough, Toronto police say.

In a news release Monday, police said they were called about a shooting in the area of Warden Avenue and Cataraqui Crescent around 1 a.m.

Jamal Abdinasir of Toronto was shot inside a residence and a suspect fled the scene, the release said.

Abdinasir was then rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A note sent to parents identified the victim as a student at École secondaire catholique Père-Philippe-Lamarche, a French Catholic school in the city's east end.

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of a ... student last night under tragic circumstances," the note from the school board reads.

"This death affects the entire school community. The Board's crisis management team will be at the school tomorrow to meet with students and staff. Individual and group meetings will take place and, as needed, will continue over the next few days to provide any assistance required in these difficult circumstances."

Kimberly Rampanen, a resident of the area where the shooting happened, said she couldn't believe the news.

"I'm shocked. Wow. I've lived here for six years and I haven't had any issues," she said. "I think it's a very quiet, well-kept neighbourhood. I'm so sorry. My condolences to his family."

Coun. Parthi Kandavel, who represents Scarborough Southwest, said the area needs municipal investment. 

"We know which neighbourhoods are experiencing youth and gun violence. And there needs to be targeted investment that creates opportunity," Kandavel said.

In an emailed response, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the city has activated its crisis response program to support affected residents.

"I'm deeply saddened to learn about the shooting of Jamal Abdinasir, who was only 16. My heart goes out to his family and community," she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.