Teen Arrested for Murder of Poker Pro Matthew Bergart After Toronto Shootout

Toronto police arrested a 16-year-old suspect in the murder of professional poker player Matthew Bergart, who was killed in a home invasion in April. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was taken into custody after a dramatic exchange of gunfire in Toronto’s West Queen West neighborhood that saw over 100 shots fired between two rival groups.

The Arrest Marks the First Step in Solving Bergart’s Murder

Bergart, widely known in the online poker community as the “Mysterious Canadian,” was an innocent bystander during a violent home invasion targeting the owner of a townhouse in Etobicoke. According to police reports, three masked suspects entered the house with guns and demanded money and all other valuables present inside.

Bergart, who was visiting the residence, became caught in a physical struggle with the suspects. He was shot multiple times and later died of his injuries at a local hospital. Police initially said the suspects wore dark clothing and fled the scene in a light-colored sedan. An exhaustive manhunt for the perpetrators ensued but yielded no result until this week.

Bergart’s untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the poker community and his hometown. Friends and fans have shared tributes, recalling his brilliance at the virtual poker tables and his warm demeanor. Despite limited appearances in live tournaments, he earned recognition through his online performances, including a deep run in the 2019 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 825th.

The Alleged Perpetrator Had a History of Crime

The teen suspected of taking part in Bergart’s death was one of 23 arrested following the wild shootout that erupted in Toronto’s West Queen West neighborhood last week. Witnesses said the clash began when three people got out of a stolen car in a grocery store parking lot and started shooting at a group celebrating a birthday in a nearby recording studio.

The exchange of gunfire endangered bystanders and even struck an unmarked police cruiser carrying plainclothes officers. Miraculously, nobody was injured during this exchange despite bullets piercing the vehicle and surrounding buildings. Toronto police confiscated 16 firearms during the operation, tracing all of them to the United States.

It should alarm all of us that the young people we took into custody are already heavily involved in serious activity and armed with high-powered firearms.

Staff Sgt. Joe Matthews

The 16-year-old now faces charges of second-degree murder. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the suspect’s identity cannot be made public. Authorities revealed that he was already under a firearms prohibition. These arrests mark significant progress in solving Bergart’s murder. However, police continue to search for additional suspects connected to the April home invasion.