Second Suspect Apprehended in Fatal Shooting of Rapper at Yorkdale Mall
Montreal police have made a significant arrest in a high-profile murder case, capturing Bryan Emmanuel Fuentes Gramajo, a suspect wanted for the killing of rapper Kashif Jamal Bentley-Jean, known as Lil Bentley, outside Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto last summer. The arrest marks a crucial development in an investigation that has spanned multiple jurisdictions and involved alleged gang connections.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Bryan Emmanuel Fuentes Gramajo, a 23-year-old resident of Longueuil, Quebec, was taken into custody by authorities in Montreal on Thursday, March 5, 2026. He faces a charge of first-degree murder related to the shooting death of Bentley-Jean, which occurred in the mall parking lot shortly after 6 a.m. on July 17, 2025. Gramajo, who was listed as the top wanted individual on the BOLO Program's most wanted list, is scheduled to appear in a Toronto courtroom on Tuesday for legal proceedings.
At the time of the incident, police responded to reports of a person with a firearm in the area of Highway 401 and Dufferin Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Bentley-Jean was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators noted that the perpetrators fled before law enforcement could arrive, complicating initial efforts to apprehend suspects.
Background on the Victim and Gang Allegations
Kashif Jamal Bentley-Jean, a 28-year-old Toronto resident who performed under the stage name Lil Bentley, was identified as the victim in this tragic event. Reports from sources such as La Presse suggest that Bentley-Jean had affiliations with gangs in Montreal, including allegedly founding a street gang active in west Montreal and Toronto, and maintaining close ties to another group in northeast Montreal. These connections have added a layer of complexity to the investigation, hinting at possible motives rooted in gang violence.
Ongoing Investigation and Other Suspects
Following the shooting, police issued Canada-wide warrants for three suspects wanted on first-degree murder charges. Prior to Gramajo's arrest, Bradley Lucate Nicolas of Montreal was apprehended by authorities in Laval on August 4, 2025. However, a third suspect, 28-year-old Jimmy Prudent of Montreal, remains at large and is actively sought by law enforcement. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, providing contact details for Toronto Police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
This case underscores the challenges in addressing violent crimes with cross-provincial elements, as it involves suspects from Quebec linked to a homicide in Ontario. The arrest of Gramajo represents a step forward in seeking justice for Bentley-Jean and his family, while highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat gang-related activities in urban centers.
