Two suspects have been charged in connection with the murder of Anthony Spencer at an east-end recording studio last January.

Sam Paul, 23, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. Chever Ashley, 22, is charged with accessory-after-the-fact to murder and robbery with a firearm. Both face a number of other charges.

The suspects appeared in court Tuesday morning, and are due back on Oct. 23.

Both men have been in custody since they were arrested on unrelated firearms charges in late January, 10 days after Spencer was shot inside a basement recording studio located at 799 Brimley Rd. near Lawrence Ave E. early in the morning of Jan. 21.

Spencer, 23, was brought by friends to the emergency department of the Scarborough General Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

Det.-Sgt. Gary Giroux told reporters during a news conference Tuesday that Spencer’s killing was the “end result” of a robbery targeting the studio.

Giroux said it didn’t have anything to do with a perceived insult or “diss” Spencer was rapping about.

According to police, Spencer was recording hip-hop music with friends when they were confronted by a group, one of whom was armed. Spencer was shot at close range before the group fled the scene.

Giroux said the accused are known to police and are “associates” of the Wickson Trail gang.

A Canada-wide search warrant has been issued for a 19-year-old woman who police allege was also involved in the robbery.

Police are seeking LaPrincia Palmer. She is wanted on charges of robbery with a firearm and obstructing the course of justice.

Giroux urged Palmer to get a lawyer and turn herself in.

Reacting to the news of the arrests, Spencer’s sister Susan said her family has struggled ever since he was killed.

“I’ve had to watch my parents deteriorate every single day,” she said.

She added: “Thank you Gary (Giroux), from the bottom of our hearts.”

She hopes the two arrests will encourage other witnesses to come forward with new information.

In the months since Spencer was killed, Toronto police issued several appeals for witnesses to share their accounts of what happened that morning.

Police have said their appeals were largely met with silence.

With a report from CTV’s Tamara Cherry and files from The Canadian Press

Note: A trust fund has been set up for Anthony Spencer's 4-year-old daughter. Contributions may be made at TD Canada Trust to account number 01972 0004 76106592551