London, Ont. man arrested in 2021 Caledon homicide, Canada-wide arrest warrant issued for outstanding suspect

OPP have charged a London man with first-degree murder in connection to a Caledon homicide in 2021, while a second suspect is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

One London man is in police custody while a second suspect from London is wanted on a nationwide warrant in relation to a homicide that took place in the Caledon region nearly five years ago.

According to a news release from provincial police, on Jan. 18, 2021, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers from Caledon OPP responded to a shooting on Harvest Moon Drive in Bolton.

Police say two people sustained gunshot wounds inside the home. Giovanni Costa, 65, of Bolton, was found deceased at the scene.

On Tuesday, 32-year-old Elias Akhi of London was arrested and charged with the following offences for his alleged involvement:

• First degree murder
• Attempt murder
• Conspiracy to commit murder

Akhi remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a Canada-wide warrant since since been issued for Waheed Barakziye, 48, of London, in addition to a province-wide warrant. He has been charged with the following offences for his alleged involvement:

• First degree murder
• Attempt murder
• Conspiracy to commit murder

Police say Barakziye is known to frequent London and the Greater Toronto Area.

Members of the public are urged not to approach him, and if seen, are asked to contact police immediately.

“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. Our investigators remain committed to finding answers for the victim’s family and the community,” OPP Det. Insp. Steven Martell of the Criminal Investigation Branch said in the release.

Police say with the newest arrest, four individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with this investigation.

The province is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Costa.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Caledon OPP at 1-888-310-1122, while anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the Ontario Crime Stoppers website.