Full Breakdown
Arrest of Canada’s Most Wanted Fugitive: Bryan Fuentes Gramajo
3/6/2026, 2:07:09 AM
Key Details of the Arrest
Montreal police arrested 24-year-old Bryan Fuentes Gramajo, identified as Canada’s most wanted fugitive, early Thursday morning in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough. He was apprehended at approximately 2:40 a.m. without incident, with the assistance of the SWAT team due to concerns about his dangerousness. Fuentes Gramajo faces charges of first-degree murder related to the shooting death of 28-year-old Kashif Jamal Bentley-Jean, which occurred on July 15, 2025, at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Following his arrest, he is scheduled to appear in a Montreal court before being transferred to Toronto for a court appearance on March 10, 2025.
Background of the Case
The shooting incident that led to Fuentes Gramajo's arrest involved Bentley-Jean, who was found in the parking lot of the Yorkdale Shopping Centre suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Toronto police have indicated that Fuentes Gramajo is associated with the Montreal-based gang Zone 43, which has connections to both Ontario and British Columbia. He was placed at the top of the BOLO (Be On the Look Out) Program's most wanted list in October 2025 due to the perceived threat he posed to public safety.
Previous Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Prior to Fuentes Gramajo's arrest, another suspect, 20-year-old Bradley Lucate-Nicolas, was apprehended in Laval, Quebec, in August 2025 and also charged with first-degree murder in connection with the same case. A third suspect, 28-year-old Jimmy Prudent, remains at large and is wanted for first-degree murder.
Official Statements & Responses
Mélanie Dupont, head of the Montreal police major crimes unit, confirmed the successful arrest and emphasized the importance of public safety in their operations. Toronto police Superintendent Joe Matthews previously remarked on Fuentes Gramajo's dangerousness, stating, “You don’t make it to number one for stealing a car. You’re at the top of this list because we believe you pose a serious threat to any person in any place where you may be. Bryan Fuentes Gramajo fits that bill.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the police have hailed the arrest as a significant achievement, some community members have expressed concerns regarding gang violence and the safety of public spaces, particularly in light of the shooting incident that claimed Bentley-Jean's life. The ongoing presence of gang-related activities in urban areas continues to be a point of contention among residents and law enforcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies in the reporting of the timeline of events surrounding the shooting, with some sources indicating the incident occurred on July 17, 2025, while others state July 15, 2025. Additionally, the status of the investigation into Jimmy Prudent's whereabouts remains unclear, as he has not yet been apprehended.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was arrested with the SWAT team because he was considered dangerous,” — Mélanie Dupont, Head of Montreal Police Major Crimes Unit
- “You don't make it to number one for stealing a car. You're at the top of this list because we believe you pose a serious threat to any person in any place where you may be. Bryan Fuentes Gramaho fits that bill,” — Joe Matthews, Toronto Police Superintendent
