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Top5, Toronto-based rapper, charged in connection to January murder: Lawyer

Click to play video: 'Police release security video appearing to show suspect in fatal Toronto shooting'
Police release security video appearing to show suspect in fatal Toronto shooting
WATCH ABOVE: Toronto police have released security video appearing to show a suspect in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Hashim Omar Hashi. – Feb 6, 2021

A local Toronto-area rapper has been charged in connection with the murder of a 20-year-old at the end of January, his lawyer said Sunday night.

Hassan Ali, who raps under the name Top5, was charged with accessory after the fact in the shooting death of Hashim Omar Hashi, Ali’s lawyer Jordan Silver confirmed to Global News.

In an update early Monday afternoon, Toronto police said Ali was arrested Saturday in Windsor, Ont.

Police confirmed the above charge, as well as six other charges, including several for drug possession. Ali is scheduled to appear in a Toronto court Feb. 16.

Silver, of Worsoff Law Firm, said Ali “maintains his innocence” and that they are in the process of arranging a bail hearing.

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“At this time, we’re still awaiting basic information surrounding this event and Mr. Ali’s involvement, if any,” Silver said.

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Police also arrested and charged 24-year-old Emmanuel Missah on Friday with accessory after the fact to murder and failure to comply recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in a Toronto court March 1.

Hashi was shot and killed as he tried to enter an underground parking garage on Jan. 31 in the area of Jane Street and Falstaff Avenue just before 9 p.m., police said.

Officers arrived and found Hashi suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Click to play video: 'Toronto imam describes 20-year-old shooting victim as ‘an amazing, beautiful soul’'
Toronto imam describes 20-year-old shooting victim as ‘an amazing, beautiful soul’

Investigators released security footage of the incident and appealed to the public for any information.

Police said Hashi was not involved in any gang activity or affiliated with a gang.

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Top5 is a rapper based out of Toronto who gained recognition as a teenager a few years ago when Drake posted about him on social media.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the suspect vehicle — a black, 2017 four-door Honda Civic last seen eastbound on Falstaff Avenue — is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

Handout / Toronto Police

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