Police in York Region say they’ve arrested five suspects wanted in connection with a home invasion in Vaughan that resulted in the death of a father of four over the summer.
The incident happened on Aug. 31, at a residence near Andreeta Drive and Barons Street, north of Major MacKenzie Drive West, in Kleinberg
.
According to York Regional Police (YRP), a number of suspects arrived at a home in that area in a vehicle that had been stolen days earlier in Toronto.
The suspects, one of whom allegedly carried a gun, then forced their way into the dwelling, YRP said.
A man inside, identified by police as 46-year-old Abdul Aleem Farooqi, was shot and died at the scene. Police have said that several members of his family were also inside the home at that time.
On Wednesday, Insp. Paolo Fiore, of YRP’s homicide unit, announced that three men and two youths are in custody in connection with the incident.
One of those individuals, 26-year-old Mississauga resident Amir Wiam Mohammad Abuhmaid, is charged with first-degree murder and several other related offences.
“At the time of the homicide, Mr. Abuhmaid was out on four separate forms of release,” Fiore said during the news conference.
Choszen Roshan Phillip, 25, and two 16-year-old boys, all from Toronto, have also been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Lastly, Jahvon St. Patrick McNairn, 34, also of Toronto, has been charged with accessory after the fact of robbery with a firearm.
Those individuals are not facing charges in the homicide itself.
The charges have not been tested in court.
Fiore said police made the arrests after executing five search warrants at three residences in Toronto and Mississauga on Monday.
Fiore said police are still searching for 16-year-old Jayshaun Williams, of Toronto, who is also wanted for first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm.
Investigators have obtained a special court order to temporarily identify the teen, whom they believe is still in the Greater Toronto Area.
“If anyone knows the whereabouts of Jayshaun Williams, please contact our investigators,” he said.
“Jayshaun, we will find you. It’s time to contact a lawyer and turn yourself in.”
16-year-old Jayshaun Williams is wanted for first degree murder in connection to a fatal home invasion in Vaughan. (YRP handout)
Police say they believe there are “multiple” other suspects.
“Our homicide investigators, with the assistance of members from our Criminal Investigation bureaus, never stopped working, their persistence, dedication, and unwavering commitment will continue. This type of investigation requires significant time, expertise, and collaboration across multiple investigative units,” Fiore said.
After the police news conference, the victim’s brother, Naeem, spoke out, thanking officers for their work in apprehending the suspects and calling for reform.
“We hope they are held accountable for their actions and not released into the public,” he said in a written statement provided to CTV News Toronto.
“We need to ensure Canadians feel safe in their homes and no other family should experience the nightmare we have been living since August 31st."
On Wednesday afternoon, YRP Chief Jim MacSween said the fact that the adult offender charged with first-degree murder in this case was out on four different types of release orders shows there’s a need for change.
“I’m incredibly disappointed that dangerous criminals are continuously released back into the community, only to reoffend and revictimize the public,” he said during the news conference, adding it’s “extremely concerning” that a 16-year-old youth is wanted in connection with this incident.
“We’re seeing the perpetrators become increasingly younger, while the severity of these crimes continues to escalate.”
MacSween said changes are needed to prevent violent offenders from returning to the streets only to reoffend again, as well as harsher penalties to deter them from committing “these atrocious acts in the first place.”
“Last month, the federal government announced legislation that would see reforms to the current bail system. We are encouraged by this step forward and will continue to advocate for a system that prioritizes public safety and keeps dangerous criminals where they belong,” he said.
“As this legislation is developed, we will keep our eyes laser focused to ensure these changes protect our community. We’ll continue to advocate for the continued changes necessary, and we’ll work with our provincial and federal partners to ensure the system protects our residents and puts community safety first.”
In a statement posted on X, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca thanked police for making arrests in this incident, which he called a “senseless act” that “shattered a family and shook our entire community,” and urged anyone with further information to contact the authorities.
He also added that today’s announcement reinforces his previous calls for bail reform.
“Too many repeat offenders are out on bail because of our current ‘catch and release’ system – a broken approach that allows dangerous individuals to reoffend,” he said, calling on all federal MPs to support the “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act,” known as Bill C-14, that is currently before the House of Commons.
“Too many criminals commit crimes with little or no consequence. This must change—urgently. … Dangerous criminals must be kept off our streets and behind bars where they belong. Vaughan residents should not – and will not – accept this level of violence in our community or anywhere in Canada.”
This investigation is “active and ongoing,” police say, and anyone with further information is asked to contact homicide investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
. Peace through pork I say.
