A chilling web of violence spanning years has begun to unravel with the arrest of one man and the issuance of a Canada-wide warrant for another, both linked to the 2021 murder of Giovanni Costa in Bolton.
The investigation began with a shooting in Vaughan in November 2020, where one person was hospitalized with gunshot wounds. This initial attack appeared to be a precursor to a far more tragic event, connecting directly to the circumstances surrounding Costa’s death.
Just months later, in January 2021, Caledon OPP responded to a harrowing scene on Harvest Moon Drive in Bolton. Gunfire erupted inside a home, leaving two people wounded – one of them the very same victim from the earlier Vaughan shooting.
Amidst the chaos, Giovanni Costa, a 65-year-old man, was discovered deceased at the scene. His death ignited a complex investigation that would stretch across years and multiple jurisdictions.
Elias Akhi, 32, of London, was recently arrested and faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. This arrest marks a significant breakthrough, bringing the total number of individuals charged in connection with the case to four.
However, the pursuit of justice isn’t over. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Waheed Barakziye, 48, also of London, who is wanted on identical charges: first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
Investigators are now operating under the unsettling possibility that Barakziye may have left the country. Detectives are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately, emphasizing that individuals should not approach him directly.
“Our investigators remain committed to finding answers for the victim’s family and the community,” stated a representative from the OPP. The investigation, led by the Caledon OPP Crime Unit and overseen by the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continues to gather momentum.
Adding urgency to the search, the Ontario government is offering a substantial $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Costa’s murder, hoping to encourage anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.
Anyone possessing information, no matter how small, is urged to contact the Caledon OPP or Crime Stoppers anonymously. The hope remains that with continued public assistance, those responsible for this series of violent acts will be brought to justice.
