Police have charged a 32-year-old man and issued a Canada-wide warrant for another who is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Bolton man and the attempted murder of two others in Vaughan.
On Nov. 12, 2020, at about 6:30 p.m., York Regional Police responded to a shooting in the area of Steeles Avenue West in Vaughan.
In that incident, one victim was injured and transported to hospital for treatment. Police previously said two individuals exited a white vehicle and shot a male.
Just over two months later, on Jan. 18, 2021, at about 12:30 p.m., OPP’s Caledon Detachment attended a residence on Harvest Moon Drive in Bolton for reports of a another shooting.
Inside that home, officers located two people who had been shot, including one of the victims from the previous incident in Vaughan.
The second victim, identified by police as Giovanni Costa, 65, of Bolton, was found dead at the scene.
Police allege two young males wearing medical-style masks and dark clothing entered that dwelling and fired several shots at two occupants inside before fleeing in an older, black, BMW 3-series sedan.
On Nov. 25, Elias Akhi, 32, of London, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempt murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. He was scheduled to appear in court in Orangeville on Nov. 26.
Police have now isued a Canada-wide warrant for 48-year-old Waheed Barakziye, also of London. They previously issued a province-wide warrant for his arrest.
Investigators say Barakziye has also been charged with first-degree murder, attempt murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
“While Waheed Barakziye is known to frequent London and the Greater Toronto Area, we are also investigating information that he may have fled the country,” Det. Insp Steven Martell, of the OPP’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, said in a news release.
“Our investigators remain committed to finding answers for the victim’s family and the community.”
Police are advising members of the public to not to approach Barakziye. Instead, they’re asking anyone who sees him to contact police immediately.
Three other suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with this ongoing investigation, which is being handled by the Caledon OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
- Two arrested for 2021 Bolton, Ont., murder, warrant issued for third suspect
- Scarborough man charged in connection with 2021 fatal shooting in Bolton
The Ontario government is also offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Costa’s murder.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Caledon OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
