Murder – Two Arrested and One Wanted, Request for Public Assistance

(CALEDON, ON) – Two individuals have been arrested and one is wanted in connection with a 2020 attempted murder in Vaughan and a 2021 homicide in Bolton.

On Thursday, November 12, 2020, at approximately 6:30 p.m., York Regional Police (YRP) responded to a shooting on Steeles Avenue West in Vaughan. One victim was identified and transported to hospital for treatment.

On Monday, January 18, 2021, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a shooting on Harvest Moon Drive, Bolton, in the Town of Caledon. It was reported that two individuals entered a residence and shot two occupants inside the home, one of whom was the victim of the November 2020 incident in Vaughan. Officers located the other occupant, 65-year-old Giovanni COSTA of Bolton, deceased at the scene.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Christopher BROWN, 28 years old of Barrie, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

• Attempt murder, s. 239(1)(a)
• Conspiracy to commit murder, s. 465(1)(a)
• Discharge firearm with intent, s. 244
• Possession of firearms contrary to prohibition order, s. 117.01(1)

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Neheniah TIRFE, 25 years old of Toronto, was arrested and charged with the following CC offences:

• First degree murder, s. 235(1)
• Attempt murder, s. 239(1)(a)

Both of the accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

As part of the ongoing investigation, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, a province-wide warrant was issued for Waheed BARAKZIYE, 48 years old of London, Ont. who has been charged with the following CC offences:

• First degree murder, s. 235(1)
• Attempt murder, s. 239(1)(a) – two counts
• Conspiracy to commit murder, s. 465(1)(a)

Members of the public are urged not to approach this individual. If seen, please contact police immediately. A photo of the wanted individual is attached to this release.

While the first incident was initially investigated by YRP, both incidents are now being investigated by the Caledon OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

The Government of the Province of Ontario is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Giovanni COSTA.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Caledon OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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