Toronto police say the gunman who killed 20‑year‑old University of Toronto (U of T) student Shivank Avasthi in a Scarborough ravine days before Christmas “was there to kill somebody,” with investigators believing it points to a random, unprovoked act of violence.

Avasthi was found fatally shot on Dec. 23 along a paved trail in the Highland Creek Valley, just steps from the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus.

Officers were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road around 3:30 p.m. for reports of “unknown trouble,” where they located Avasthi suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“He was young, bright and had his whole life ahead of him,” said Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe.

Babatunde Afuwape, 28, was arrested in connection with Avasthi’s murder. Sgt. McCabe said the shooting appears to be random, as the accused and the victim were not known to each other.

“It is our belief that this was a planned and deliberate act by the accused,” said Sgt. McCabe. “We have not yet found a motive for why Shivank was targeted.”

Police said Afuwape was on parole for firearm offences at the time of the shooting.

“I think [Afuwape] was looking to target someone,” Sgt. McCabe noted. “Our investigation has revealed he was there to kill somebody, is our belief. I am not sure how he chose Shivank or what his ultimate plan was that day.”

According to the Varsity, U of T’s student newspaper, Avasthi was a third‑year life sciences student at UTSC, as well as a member of the campus cheerleading team and an executive with the powerlifting club. A memorial space is being set up on campus near the humanities wing steps, where students will be able to leave flowers and messages in the coming days.

Avasthi’s death marked Toronto’s 41st homicide of 2025.

Sgt. McCabe said homicide detectives believe there may have been more people using the trail near the Scarborough campus at the time of the shooting.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

Babatunde Afuwape, 28, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with the murder of university student 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi on December 23, 2025.

We believe more people may have interacted with the accused on that day. If you have any information, please come forward.… pic.twitter.com/FXyRsNTsHw

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) January 7, 2026