Two arrested for 2021 Bolton, Ont., murder, warrant issued for third suspect

Waheed Barakziye, a 48-year-old resident of London, Ont., is wanted for first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. (Police handout)

Police have arrested two people in connection with a 2020 attempted murder in Vaughan and a 2021 homicide in Bolton.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Caledon issued a news release on Friday, saying two individuals are arrested in connection with the incidents, but one person remained wanted by police.

The first incident happened on Nov. 12, 2020, police said, at approximately 6:30 p.m. York Regional Police responded to a shooting on Steeles Avenue West in Vaughan. One victim was identified and transported to hospital for treatment, police said.

The second incident happened on Jan. 18, 2021, at around 12:30 p.m. when officers responded to a shooting on Harvest Moon Drive, Bolton, in the Town of Caledon.

Police said that two individuals reportedly entered a residence and shot two occupants inside the home, one of whom was the victim of the November 2020 incident in Vaughan.

Officers said they located the other occupant, 65-year-old Giovanni Costa of Bolton, dead inside the home.

• Police release video of 2 suspects, vehicle wanted in connection with Bolton murder, attempted homicide in Vaughan

Police said that they arrested 28-year-old Christopher Brown from Barrie, Ont. on Tuesday and charged him with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, discharge firearm with intent and possession of firearms contrary to prohibition order.

Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on Thursday, police said.

Police said they also arrested 25-year-old Neheniah Tirfe from Toronto on Wednesday and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Tirfe remains in custody and is also scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on Thursday, police said.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police issued a province-wide warrant on Wednesday for Waheed Barakziye, a 48-year-old resident of London, Ont., who has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Police are warning members of the public to not approach the Barakziye, and if seen, to contact police immediately.

OPP Detective Inspector Steven Martell told CP24 on Friday that police believe that Barakziye fled the country, but they are not aware of where he may have travelled to.

“We do believe that he’s not in the country, but we’re looking for any information from the public in locating him,” Martell said.

The provincial government is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.