Trio charged in Brantford shooting tied to 12-year-old boy’s murder in Toronto

Brantford police have charged three men in connection with a shooting at a hotel last month that detectives allege is tied to a Toronto shooting that killed a 12-year-old innocent bystander later that same day.

Around 12:30 a.m. Nov. 7, police were called to a shooting at the Comfort Inn on King George Road. Police allege four suspects drove to the hotel and fired multiple shots into a ground-level room. No one was hurt.

They fled in a silver, four-door vehicle. Police allege the shooting was targeted.

Later that same day, police in Toronto were called to a shooting at Jane Street and Stong Court around 2:20 p.m. after two men jumped out of a car and fired at people in vehicle.

A 12-year-old boy, Dante Sebastian Andreatta, was shot with a stray bullet as he was leaving a shopping mall with his mother. He died four days later in hospital.

Brantford police said Tuesday that early in the investigation, detectives found a link between the two cases. Brantford police major crime unit worked with Toronto police guns and gang, and homicide units.

Three men, already in custody charged with first-degree murder, face new charges in connection with the Brantford shooting.

Jahwayne Genisis Smart, 25, of Toronto, Rashawn Chambers, 24, of Brantford and Cjay William Hobbs, 27, of Toronto each face additional charges of: two counts of attempted murder, two counts of discharge a firearm with intent, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to an order, occupy motor vehicle with firearm and theft under $5,000.

The investigation is ongoing and Brantford police say they're looking for one more suspect in the hotel shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Jeff Cotter at 519-756-7050 ext. 2271.

To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com