The quiet of a summer afternoon in Cabbagetown shattered on July 23rd, 2023, when a 36-year-old man was fatally shot in broad daylight. The incident unfolded near Sherbourne and Shuter Streets, just after noon, leaving a community reeling and a family devastated.
Police arrived to find the victim, later identified as Mohamed Ahmed, slumped inside a vehicle, suffering from a critical gunshot wound. Despite immediate efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and profound grief.
Mohamed Ahmed was the brother of Mustafa Ahmed, a celebrated artist known as Mustafa the Poet, recognized with a Juno Award and deeply connected to the Regent Park creative collective, the Halal Gang. The loss reverberated through Toronto’s vibrant arts scene.
Within days of the shooting, homicide detectives identified two suspects and issued warrants for their arrest. Mohammed Abdullahi, 34, and Yasir Mohamed, 27, both from Toronto, were sought on charges of first-degree murder.
After more than two years, a breakthrough came on Friday with the arrest of Yasir Mohamed. The Fugitive Squad located him, bringing a measure of relief to investigators and the victim’s family, though details of the arrest remain undisclosed.
Mohamed now faces a litany of charges, including first-degree murder, firearm offenses, and multiple counts of failing to comply with court orders. He appeared in court Saturday for a bail hearing, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice.
However, the search for Mohammed Abdullahi continues. He remains at large, and investigators are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts, or the murder itself, to come forward.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit directly or to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. The investigation remains active, and the hope for full accountability persists.
