Months after a father of four was shot and killed in front of his family during a home invasion in Vaughan, Ont., local police have announced arrests and charges in the case.
Officers said one of the suspects, charged with first-degree murder, was out on bail at the time, while a 16-year-old boy is wanted in connection with the death.
Four others have also been charged, including two youth suspects.
The charges stem from a call York Regional Police received around 1 a.m. on Aug. 31, when they were told a home invasion was underway after a group of suspects forced their way through the back door.
Officers said the group arrived in a stolen vehicle, and one carried a gun.
Investigators said 46-year-old Abdul Aleem Farooqi confronted the suspects and was shot and killed. Officers said they believed the home was “specifically targeted” for a robbery.
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Farooqi had four children aged four to 17 years old. He also lived at the home with his wife.
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Police confirmed at the time that Farooqi’s family members were present at the time of the invasion and shooting, but would not elaborate on who was exactly where or how close his family was.
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Police make arrests in connection with murder of Ontario father during home invasion
On Wednesday afternoon, more than two months after they started their investigation, York Regional Police confirmed they had made arrests and said others were outstanding.
Insp. Paolo Fiore from York Regional Police’s homicide unit said the investigation had been complicated.
“Through their commitment and professionalism, investigators have identified a group of individuals who are now alleged to be responsible for this tragic act,” Fiore said.
He said police were able to get search warrants for three homes in Toronto and Mississauga, which they visited on Nov. 10. Following the searches, they were able to make several arrests.
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Mohammad Amir Wiam Abuhmaid, a 26-year-old from Mississauga, was charged with first-degree murder. He was also charged with breaking and entering with intent, robbery with a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and breach of probation.
Police said he was on bail with four separate undertakings.
“There are four separate forms of release that he was out in the community on,” Fiore said. “The offences vary in severity, and because the offences are before the courts, I’m not going to get into the details of each event, but it is concerning when this type of event happens.”
They also said a 16-year-old boy was still wanted and believed to be evading police somewhere in the Greater Toronto Area. He is wanted for several alleged offences, including first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm.
“We believe he’s still in the GTA; his whereabouts are unknown,” Fiore said.
— with files from Global News’ Gabby Rodrigues
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