The family members of a YMCA fitness instructor who was fatally shot in Toronto six years ago expressed how devastated they are by his unexpected and violent death. Shane Stanford, 33, was tragically killed when a bullet struck him in the head after shattering the back window of his car on October 7, 2020.
During the sentencing hearing of Raheem McLaughlin at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, victim impact statements were read by the Crown. McLaughlin was found guilty of second-degree murder in the drive-by shooting death of Stanford in May, as determined by a jury.
Stanford’s sister, Lakeisha Ferreira, shared in her statement that her life changed irreversibly on the day her brother passed away. She described Stanford as a loving and dedicated individual who strived to build a better future for himself and those around him. The absence he left in their family is something that can never be filled, she expressed.
Ferreira continues to attend grief counseling to cope with the profound loss of her brother. The ongoing pain and trauma of losing him have taken away her sense of joy and happiness, leaving a permanent void in her life.
On the night of his death, Stanford, a member of the health and fitness team at the Central YMCA, was on his way home in the north end of the city. Video evidence presented during the trial showed McLaughlin’s Infiniti chasing Stanford’s Acura through a residential neighborhood in North York. McLaughlin claimed that an unidentified passenger in his vehicle was the actual shooter.
The fatal shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Regina and Khedive avenues, close to Bathurst Street and Ranee Avenue. The Crown prosecutor informed Justice Michael Dineen that McLaughlin was subject to three weapons prohibition orders at the time and had a history of 35 prior criminal convictions involving significant violence.
Following the gunshots, Stanford’s car collided with a home, and he was discovered behind the wheel with a gunshot wound to the head. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene, becoming Toronto’s 58th homicide victim of 2020.
Stanford’s aunt, Celena Knight, emphasized in her victim impact statement that his death was sudden, tragic, and senseless. She described Stanford as an exceptional individual who deeply cared about his family and community. Knight stressed the importance of ensuring that justice is served, and the severity of the crime is reflected in the sentencing.
Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 10 years. The Crown recommended that McLaughlin serve 22 years in prison before being eligible for parole. McLaughlin, who represented himself during the trial, may receive enhanced credit for the time spent in lockdown while in custody, as argued by his judge-appointed attorney, Douglas Holt.
The judge is anticipated to deliver McLaughlin’s sentence in the coming month, as the family continues to grapple with the profound loss and seek closure through the legal process.
