Teen shot to death at Whitchurch-Stouffville prom after-party remembered as 'beautiful soul'

A high school student who was shot to death at an after-prom party on Friday night is being remembered as kind, generous and always ready to help his community.

On Monday, investigators with York Regional Police's homicide unit identified the victim as 18-year-old Rizwaan Wadee of Vaughan.

"We have seen Rizwaan grow up to be a young man who was kind, respectful of elders and a loving member of his family," the statement said, adding Wadee had many friends and was an active volunteer at local mosque events.

Funeral held Monday

"'Rizzi'" came from a hockey-mad family," the statement said with several family members active with the organization, which was also faced with the loss of another member some years ago. "Now we must face the loss of another beautiful soul who was most likely looking forward to another tournament this summer and just a bright future in general," it said.

Wadee died of a gunshot wound after gunfire erupted at a party Friday on a large property at 6336 Bloomington Rd. E., east of Ninth Line in Whitchurch-Stouffville. It had been rented through Airbnb.

Police were called to the residence shortly after 4 a.m. for a weapons call. When they arrived, they found Wadee dead.

A funeral for Wadee was held Monday at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto in Scarborough, where friends from Wadee's current and past schools were among the many who turned out.

"He was just a really genuine guy," said Harinder Sidhu, who was a classmate of Wadee's at St. Marguerite d'Youville in Brampton, before Wadee transferred.

"He had everyone's back, he was always there for us. If anything was happening, he would always help me out."

Police still searching for witnesses

About a half hour after officers arrived at the home on Bloomington Road East, police were called to another residence several kilometres away on Bethesda Side Road. A caller reported that two teens had been knocking on doors in the area and asking homeowners to call them a taxi. 

Police found the pair hiding in bushes. They were both arrested and a handgun was found nearby. 

Busby cautioned that investigators have not connected the two occurrences and they may be unrelated. 

The charges facing a Richmond Hill boy, 16, and a Newmarket boy, 17, include:

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm.
• Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition.
• Firearm — tampering with a serial number.
• Breach of recognizance.

Both teens appeared in a Newmarket courtroom on Friday.

Investigators say they are still looking for witnesses who may have been there and have not yet spoken to police, York Regional Police Const. Andy Pattenden said Monday, adding many people at the party left before they could be interviewed.

"Many people were in attendance at the time of the shooting, who left prior to police arrival," Pattenden said.

Investigators are also asking people who have photos or video that were taken at the party to forward them to the homicide unit or submit them anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Hundreds in attendance

Grade 12 student Thomas Gotzamanas estimated about 400 people attended the party, many from other schools.

He said the home was so packed, it was difficult to breathe.

"As soon as it got too crazy, I just wanted to leave," he said.

"Our thoughts are with the student's family and friends, and with all of those who are affected by this loss and act of violence. A tragedy like this deeply affects our communities," Director of Education Louise Sirisko said in a statement.

After-prom parties are not school-organized events but with end-of-year-festivities underway, the statement said, the school board said it encourages families to have open conversations about safety.

As a sign of respect, flags are being lowered at Maple H.S. and York Region District School Board offices, Sirisko added.