Man convicted in 2005 Toronto murder of Jane Creba faces first-degree murder charge in Montreal

Officers were called to the gunfire at Place de la Paix on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, near Place du Marché pedestrian plaza, around 12:45 p.m., according to the Montreal Police Service. The victim was discovered unconscious with bullet wounds. He was declared dead at the scene and has been identified as Abdeck Kenedith Ibrahim. 

Valentine was arrested on Wednesday and made a brief appearance at the Montreal courthouse on Thursday morning. His lawyer declined to comment on the charge when contacted by the Star.

Valentine was convicted of killing Creba in a Boxing Day 2005 shootout between rival gangs near the Eaton Centre on Yonge Street. The teen was shopping with her mother and sister when she was caught in the crossfire. Six others were also wounded by the gunfire.

The senseless murder made headlines around the world and became emblematic of the gun violence that plagued the city in 2005, a year that became known as the Year of the Gun.

In 2009, Valentine pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.

Four years later, Valentine applied to have his parole eligibility period shortened by two years. The Court of Appeal denied it. 

In November 2023, the Parole Board of Canada granted Valentine a six-month day parole with leave privileges, citing his “significant progress over the last years,” according to documents obtained by the Star. His day parole was extended with special conditions in May 2024 and again in July 2024.

He was granted full parole in early January with special conditions that include avoiding specific associates, provide financial disclosure, seek or remain employed and not enter drinking establishments.

In the decision, the board said Valentine presented “a moderate-high” risk of reoffending if released from prison. The board said he displayed “problematic behaviours” during the first five years of his sentence, including violent incidents, trafficking drugs and being found intoxicated.

After being transferred to another region, Valentine showed a positive change in his behaviour and was later transferred to a medium-security institution, the decision says.

“Your current offences are a significant escalation in the severity of your offending behaviour and speaks to the very serious type of crime you are capable of committing, should you reoffend,” the board said.

“On the positive side you have been on a day parole release to the community since November 2023, and have for the most part been meeting expectations in the community,” it said.

The board also noted that Valentine takes “full responsibility” for his crimes and demonstrated a change of values. 

His brother’s death in 2013 was a turning point for him, prompting him to co-operate with caseworkers and engage in his correctional plan, the board said. After that, Valentine received psychological counselling and participated in various programs.

In its decision, the board said it does not lose sight of the serious crimes Valentine committed, but noted the “significant changes” he’s made since 2014. He has shown that he can abide by the terms and conditions of his release while on day parole and presents a “robust” plan for full parole, it said.

“For all these reasons, the Board is of the opinion that, on full parole, you will not, by reoffending, present an undue risk to society before the expiration according to law of your sentence, and your release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen.”

Valentine was one of four people found guilty in Creba’s death. Jorrell Simpson-Rowe was also convicted of second-degree murder in the shootout, while Louis Raphael Woodcock and Tyshaun Barnett were found guilty of manslaughter.

In a surprise move in 2009, Valentine pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Creba’s death, just a month before jury selection was set to begin in his trial. 

At sentencing, Justice John McMahon said Valentine’s decision to admit his role in the killing, despite evidentiary “challenges” faced by the Crown, was the main reason he decided to give a more favourable parole recommendation, calling the guilty plea an “exceptional exhibition of remorse.” McMahon accepted a joint submission to allow Valentine to apply for parole in 12 years — on the lower end of the 10- to 25-year eligibility range.

With files from Betsy Powell, Jake Edmiston and The Canadian Press