Student killed at Scarborough high school was ‘the type to cheer people up’

Chris Robinson misses the laughter he shared with his nephew Jahiem Robinson.

Since Jahiem died Monday after being shot at his Scarborough high school, Chris has been remembering his favourite moments.

During one memorable family trip to the zoo, Chris remembers pushing Jahiem in his stroller, down a hill, as the toddler giggled non-stop.

“He had this huge smile on his face, he said, ‘You’re so funny Uncle Chris’,” recalled Chris, who works professionally as a comedian. “That was the moment when I knew we’d be boys for life.”

But their special bond came to a tragic end when Jahiem, 18, was fatally shot while preparing to leave David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute after classes.

Police allege the shooting was captured by a surveillance camera inside the school that shows a suspect running up behind the victim and shooting him at point-blank range, in what they said was an “execution.”

A 14-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder as well as attempted murder for allegedly chasing down another student after shooting Jahiem.

Since becoming a crime scene, the school will reopen on Thursday with social workers and grief counsellors on site to help students and staff, still reeling from the loss. The principal, Aatif Choudhry, said a “thoughtful and emotionally supportive” return is planned.

“Jahiem was such a big part of the David and Mary Thomson C.I. family,” said Choudhry, in a letter to the school community. “Words cannot express how deeply we will miss his presence.”

Thursday will consist of asynchronous learning, meaning there will be no live learning. In the morning, staff will be able to access support services, such as social workers, psychologists, and employee assistance. And in the afternoon, students can attend school to be with each other and with teachers, and also to access support at the school.

Choudhry described the teen as “always” having a “bright smile” and whose “kindness and positive attitude was an inspiration to his teachers and classmates.”

“If you were lucky enough to interact with Jahiem at school, you knew your day was going to be all the better because his happiness and positivity were contagious.”

“Jahiem was a constant source of support to his friends at school. He was dependable, sympathetic, and always available to talk to those who needed him. And no one could lighten the mood with a joke like Jahiem.”

Choudhry said the teen “loved learning,” particularly in the culinary program, drama class and as a leader in the Peer Assisted Student Success program. PASS is a Grade 9 transition program and a senior leadership course, in which senior students are linked with those in Grade 9 to help ease their transition into school.

The principal noted that the school, located near Midland Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East, is supporting Jahiem’s family “in any way we can through this tragedy.”

City councillor Michael Thompson, who represents Scarborough Centre, said he is friends with a relative of Jahiem’s.

“The family is absolutely devastated,” he said, noting the teen had his whole life ahead of him. “He comes from a family of really good people, hard-working Canadians ... so it’s a shock to them.”

“I don’t know why it happened and I certainly hope we can get to the bottom of this.”

He described the community as vibrant, with residents who are very invested in the area, pointing out there are multiple new developments including a library. It’s hard to understand why the violence occurred, he said.

Thompson said he’s extended his help to the family and is waiting to hear about memorial plans.

Jada Duncan, 18, who went to elementary school with Jahiem, described him as a “loving guy.” She said she last spoke with Jahiem a few weeks ago, when he expressed he was doing well.

“Jahiem was always happy, never a sad moment,” she said. “He was the type to cheer people up and laugh with them and just make us feel better about ourselves. He loved his family with all of his heart.”

Chris said he was grocery shopping Monday when his brother, Jahiem’s father, called distraught.

“He was screaming and I honestly thought he was joking, he was so hysterical,” he said. “He just kept screaming and said ‘They shot my boy, they killed Jahiem.’”

Chris was with his five-year-old son at the time, and called his wife to tell her what happened. He then sobbed in the parking lot for 10 minutes.

He and other family members have been spending time with Jahiem’s parents and their four younger children. While Jahiem was not perfect, like any teenager, Chris said the family is shocked someone would hurt him because of his good nature.

He recalled how Jahiem enjoyed spending time with his cousin, Chris’s young son, and would regularly come over for sleepovers. Chris said he also encouraged the teen to pursue his passion for music.

“He was a sick rapper,” he said. “He told me he was a little self-conscious about it too, because he was afraid of failing.”

“I’d always tell him ... if you don’t do it, then you’ll regret it when you’re older.”

Chris said the family looked out for Jahiem. He’d tell Jahiem he’d pay for his Ubers if he was walking alone at night. And if he ever needed someone to pick him up, Chris said he’d be there in a heartbeat.

Performing at the Just for Laughs festival, Chris said the final joke in his set was inspired by Jahiem. And, it got the biggest laugh he’s ever received from an audience.

“I’m so happy the last joke I got to do was about him.”

Olivia Bowden is a Toronto-based staff reporter for the Star. Reach her via email: obowden@thestar.ca

Isabel Teotonio is a Toronto-based reporter covering education for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @Izzy74

Joshua Chong is a Toronto-based staff reporter for the Star. Reach Joshua via email: jchong@torstar.ca