A man from Quebec faces charges for second-degree murder following a shooting that occurred on Tuesday, resulting in the death of a man in downtown London.
Emergency responders who arrived after reports of gunfire discovered a man suffering from life-threatening injuries around 5:45 p. m. near Central Avenue and Richmond Street, according to London police.
The victim was later identified as Robert Rico Rivard, 48, from London, who passed away in the hospital.
Authorities have apprehended one individual connected to this year’s sixth homicide in the city.
Mohamed Abdel Aziz Soumahoro, 21, hailing from Laval, Quebec, has been charged with second-degree murder.
“The victim and the accused were known to each other,” Sgt. Sandasha Bough, spokesperson for the London police, stated on Thursday.
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In addition to the murder charge, Soumahoro is also facing counts for possession of a regulated firearm, unlawful possession of a restricted firearm without a license, and violating release conditions that bar him from having weapons.
He appeared in court on Wednesday and was ordered into custody until his next hearing set for October 7. Soumahoro requested an interpreter for French during his proceedings.
Court documents reveal that Soumahoro is involved in three separate auto theft cases dating back to June 2024 within the Toronto area.
The charges against him include three counts of vehicle theft, mischief, breaking and entering, three counts of possessing stolen property valued over $5,000 and two counts related to breaching a probation order issued in Quebec.
A bench warrant was issued for his arrest after he did not appear at a court hearing scheduled for April 2025 as noted in the records.
Messages of sympathy have been shared online by friends and family mourning Rivard’s passing.
“Rest Easy Rob Rivard. You will be greatly missed. Love your friend BIF,” posted Tammy Moyer on Facebook.
Joseph Mc Leod added: “Rip Rob Rivard. Legends never die. Fly high bro.”
Staff members at a nearby business indicated that the shooting took place inside an apartment building above a Starbucks café that has recently closed at the corner of Richmond and Central streets.
According to employees who preferred not to be named due to safety reasons, people often come and go from those upstairs units at all hours.
So far this year there have been 11 reported incidents involving gunfire in London; one included another fatal shooting on Dundas Street east of Elizabeth Street which occurred on January 25. A 26-year-old man from Toronto died later at the hospital after being found with gunshot wounds alongside another individual.
Another local man aged 26 is charged with second-degree murder regarding that incident.
Dale Carruthers joined The in 2011 and has worked as a general assignment reporter and web editor. He covers crime focusing on gun violence, organized crime and police accountability.
dcarruthers@postmedia. com
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