Five individuals have been charged in connection with a home invasion in Vaughan that resulted in the death of a father of four back in August, according to police.
Abdul Aleem Farooqi, 46, was described by his friends as a man dedicated to faith, charity, and community service.
On Wednesday, York Regional Police revealed that Amir Wiam Mohammad Abuhmaid, 26, is facing several charges including first-degree murder and armed robbery.
A 34-year-old from Toronto has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to robbery with a firearm.
A 25-year-old and two 16-year-olds from Toronto are believed to have driven a stolen vehicle involved in the crime and have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000.
Authorities also mentioned that another suspect linked to the homicide remains at large: a 16-year-old who police received judicial approval to name for five days as stated in their release.
“We will find you. It’s time to contact a lawyer and turn yourself in,” Insp. Paolo Fiore said.
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The teen was last spotted in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and authorities are encouraging him or anyone hiding him to come forward.
Fiore also confirmed that Farooqi was shot inside his home while his family was present but declined to provide further details, stating that more information will be revealed during court proceedings.
Political figures and close friends have previously stated he was shot right in front of his children.
Naeem Farooqi expressed gratitude towards York police “for their work in identifying and apprehending those responsible for Aleem’s death” in a statement made to CBC Toronto.
Naeem, right, thanked York Regional Police for their work in the case of his brother’s killing, in a statement sent to CBC Toronto. (Submitted by Naeem Farooqi)
In the early hours of August 31, officers responded to reports of a home invasion at a residence near Andreeta Drive and Barons Street. They found Farooqi suffering from gunshot wounds; despite life-saving efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police reported that the suspects arrived at the house driving a Honda CR-V which had been stolen from Toronto.
The suspects – one armed with a gun – broke into the house, shot Farooqi, and then fled according to law enforcement officials.
The location is believed to have been targeted as part of an attempted robbery; however, investigations regarding the motive behind this robbery continue according to Fiore.
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