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Crime & Justice • Murder

Jane Creba

Jane Creba was a 15-year-old Toronto student who was killed by a stray bullet during a gang-related shootout on Yonge Street on Boxing Day, 2005.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jane Creba was a 15-year-old Toronto student who was killed by a stray bullet during a gang-related shootout on Yonge Street on Boxing Day, 2005. Her death became one of the most widely reported cases of gun violence in Toronto and led to multiple prosecutions and convictions.

Background

Jane Creba was a Toronto teenager and Riverdale Collegiate Institute student. Available reports describe her as 15 years old when she was killed during a busy Boxing Day shopping trip.

Boxing Day shooting

On December 26, 2005, a gunfight broke out on Yonge Street in downtown Toronto, and Creba was struck by a stray bullet. The shooting also injured six other bystanders.

Investigation and prosecutions

Police charged multiple people in connection with the shooting. Court proceedings led to convictions, including a guilty plea by Jeremiah Valentine to second-degree murder and an adult life sentence.

Public impact

Creba's death drew extensive media attention and became closely associated with debates over gun violence, youth safety, and public shootings in Toronto.

Key facts

  • Creba was shot and killed on December 26, 2005, while shopping with family in downtown Toronto.
  • She died in the Boxing Day shooting, a public shootout between rival groups on Yonge Street.
  • Six other bystanders were wounded in the same incident.
  • Several people were charged in connection with the shooting, and multiple convictions followed.
  • Creba's death became a symbol of public concern about gun violence in Toronto.
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Canadian context

Creba's death is a significant Canadian criminal justice case and a major Toronto event, often discussed in relation to urban gun violence and public safety.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jane Creba?
Jane Creba was a 15-year-old Toronto student who was killed during the 2005 Boxing Day shooting on Yonge Street.
How did Jane Creba die?
She was killed by a stray bullet during a shootout between rival groups in downtown Toronto on December 26, 2005.
How old was Jane Creba when she died?
She was 15 years old.
Were other people injured in the shooting?
Yes. Reports say six other bystanders were wounded in the same incident.
Were people convicted in connection with her death?
Yes. Multiple people were charged, and several convictions followed, including a guilty plea by Jeremiah Valentine to second-degree murder.

References

  1. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/life-sentence-for-jane-creba-murder-1.845433
    Supports: Creba was killed in the Boxing Day shooting; Jeremiah Valentine pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a life sentence.
  2. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/man-pleads-guilty-to-second-degree-murder-in-creba-case/article1206081/
    Supports: Reports Creba was 15 and killed in the 2005 Yonge Street shooting; gives details of the guilty plea and sentence.
  3. Global News — https://globalnews.ca/news/84219/final-trial-begins-into-shooting-of-jane-creba/
    Supports: States Creba was shot and killed while shopping with her family; notes that other bystanders were wounded.
  4. Yahoo News Canada — https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mandel-two-guilty-jane-creba-200949532.html
    Supports: Summarizes that Creba was an unintended victim of gang violence and that Valentine later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.