Montreal Police Arrest Canada's Most Wanted Fugitive in Connection to Deadly Yorkdale Mall Shooting

The Most Wanted Fugitive Captured

Montreal police made headlines on Wednesday, March 6, 2026, when they arrested Canada’s most wanted fugitive, Bryan Fuentes Gramajo, in connection to the deadly shooting that took place in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre on July 17, 2025. Fuentes Gramajo, a 24-year-old resident of Longueuil, Quebec, was charged with first-degree murder and is now set to face justice in Toronto.

Operation and Tactics

Montreal police announced that Fuentes Gramajo was arrested without incident at 2:40 a.m., Thursday, March 6, in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough. According to Chief Inspector Mélanie Dupont, head of the Montreal police major crimes unit, Fuentes Gramajo was considered dangerous and was arrested with the support of a SWAT team. “He was arrested with the SWAT team because he was considered dangerous,” Dupont stated.

Fuentes Gramajo was named Canada’s most wanted fugitive in October 2025 by the Bolo Program, an initiative that alerts the public about dangerous criminals. The Bolo Program had been particularly relevant in this case, as the arrest took place just over a year after Fuentes Gramajo appeared on the “be on the lookout” list. He was a member of the Montreal-based gang Zone 43, known for their involvement in drug trafficking and violent crimes across Ontario and British Columbia.

The Tragic Shooting

The arrest comes in connection with the shooting that took place on July 17, 2025, in the parking lot of the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Kashif Jamal Bentley-Jean, a 28-year-old Toronto rapper, was found with gunshot wounds and died at the scene. According to Toronto police, multiple shots were fired at Bentley-Jean, indicating a targeted killing. “You don’t make it to number one … for stealing a car,” Toronto Police Chief-Supt. Joe Matthews said in a press conference last fall, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against Fuentes Gramajo.

Previous Arrests and Legal Proceedings

This is not the first arrest in connection to this case. In August 2025, Bradley Lucate Nicolas, 20, of Montreal, was arrested and charged in the shooting death of Kashif Jamal Bentley-Jean. However, as reported by The Star, Jimmy Prudent, the third person involved in the crime, remains at large.

Fuentes Gramajo is scheduled to appear in court in Montreal on Thursday, March 9, before being extradited to Toronto. He is set to appear in court on March 10, where he will face the charge of first-degree murder.

Gang Involvement

The arrest of Fuentes Gramajo highlights the involvement of gangs in deadly shootings. According to Dupont, the Montreal-based gang Zone 43 has strong connections to Ontario and British Columbia. "You're at the top of this list because we believe you pose a serious threat to any person in any place where you may be," Matthews emphasized during the press conference.

The ongoing investigation into the case has shown that the shooting was not random but a targeted killing. "It was 'not a random shooting,' " Det. Sajeev Nair, of the Toronto Police Homicide Unit, told reporters. The arrest of Fuentes Gramajo brings the case one step closer to a resolution.

Implications for Gang Activity and Police Tactics

The arrest of Canada’s most wanted fugitive has significant implications for gang activity and police tactics. Gangs like Zone 43 are known for their involvement in drug trafficking, violence, and organized crime. The apprehension of Fuentes Gramajo demonstrates that police are increasingly effective in targeting dangerous criminals.

According to data from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the number of gang-related incidents has been on the rise over the past decade. The arrest of Fuentes Gramajo suggests that strategies like the Bolo Program are proving effective in addressing the threat posed by high-risk individuals.

In the coming months, the case will likely provide valuable insights into gang activity and the effectiveness of police tactics. The extradition process and the ongoing legal proceedings will be closely watched by law enforcement agencies and the public alike.

Looking Ahead

The arrest of Fuentes Gramajo marks a significant milestone in the investigation. However, the case is far from over. The extradition to Toronto and subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the full extent of Fuentes Gramajo’s involvement in the tragic shooting.

What remains to be seen is the role of Jimmy Prudent, the third person involved, and the ongoing investigation into the shooting. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of gang violence and the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different provinces.

As the legal proceedings continue, the arrest of Canada’s most wanted fugitive serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the determination to bring dangerous criminals to justice.