A man wanted in connection with a shocking home invasion and murder in Caledon, Ontario, is believed to have left Canada, according to the lead investigator. Waheed Barakziye, 48, of London, Ontario, is facing charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder in the 2021 shooting.
The investigation centers around the death of Giovanni Costa, 65, who was fatally shot inside his Bolton home on Harvest Moon Drive on January 18, 2021. His son, Michael, was also injured during the brazen attack, which unfolded in broad daylight.
Police now believe Costa was an innocent bystander, caught in the crosshairs of a targeted hit. He wasn’t the intended victim of the shooting, but tragically found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when two suspects stormed the residence.
Investigators recently released a chilling 22-second video capturing the events. A black sedan arrived at the Costa home, and two figures in dark hoodies swiftly entered, emerging less than 30 seconds later.
Two other suspects, Neheniah Tirfe, 25, of Toronto, and Chris Brown, 28, of Barrie, have already been arrested and are currently in custody facing the same charges as Barakziye. Brown also faces additional accusations related to firearms and probation violations.
This wasn’t the first time Michael Costa had been targeted. Just two months prior, in November 2020, he survived a shooting outside a café in Vaughan, raising questions about a possible pattern of violence.
While the motive remains unclear, police have not yet linked the shootings to gang activity or the drug trade. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities suggesting further arrests are possible as they explore all avenues.
Barakziye is described as approximately five-foot-ten and 196 pounds. Authorities are urging the public not to approach him if spotted, but to immediately contact 911.
Court records reveal a past encounter with the law for Barakziye, involving drug trafficking and possession of stolen property charges in 2006. However, those charges were ultimately stayed, halting the legal proceedings.
A significant reward of $50,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Giovanni Costa’s death, a testament to the seriousness of the crime and the desire for justice.
