Police named but could not release an updated photo of a suspect they are looking for in connection with a stabbing in October.
Officials said in a press release on Feb. 20, that they are issuing a Canada-wide arrest warrant for Zakarye Abdi-Jama, who is facing a charge of second-degree murder.
“We do not currently have a recent or clear photograph of Abdi-Jama available for release. Should one become available, the Ottawa Police Service will share it on our website and social media channels,” it reads.
The 19-year-old is believed to be involved in the death of Raphael Atende, 21. He was found with serious stab wounds in the 1700 block of Russell Road in the Industrial Park neighbourhood on Oct. 18, 2025.
Police told CityNews in an email that they cannot be certain the previous photo released by the force of a person of interest is Abdi-Jama.
A violent weekend in Ottawa
The murder of Atende happened over a particularly violent weekend in the nation’s capital.
Within a 24-hour period, the City of Ottawa saw three stabbings.
The second and third incidents were within 400 metres in the ByWard Market.
The first incident was reported at 10:39 a.m. on Oct. 17. Police responded to the King Edward Avenue and York Street area. Officials arrested Osanhenoma Igbinedion, 35, on a second-degree murder charge.
Then the next day, around 3:08 p.m., officers were called to reports of a robbery in progress in the Cumberland and St. Patrick streets area. The reports to police indicated that a suspect was stabbing a victim, who was left with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.