One year after a notorious Edmonton landlord was killed after he was shot outside his home in the southwest Haddow neighbourhood, police are releasing more surveillance video in hopes of furthering the investigation.
“This was a well-organized and targeted hit,” said Det. Jared Buhler, lead investigator on the homicide investigation into the death of Abdullah Shah, also known as Carmen Pervez, on March 13, 2022.
According to police, surveillance video from multiple cameras shows Shah’s vehicle driving west on Heath Road, followed by a suspect vehicle seconds later.
“As he turned from Riverbend Road to Heath Road, Shah was followed by a suspect vehicle,” said Buhler.
Police said video shows Shah arriving home and the suspect vehicle, a dark grey Toyota Highlander from around 2015, pulling up behind him.
The suspect vehicle has not yet been found and investigators have not identified any stolen or recovered vehicles that could have been used in the shooting, police said.
At a press conference Monday, Buhler said in the past year investigators have interviewed many suspects with varying levels of cooperation.
“To those who have attempted to obstruct the investigation through the destruction of evidence, deceit or evasion, we are aware,” said Buhler.
“Your actions and misinformation have been recognized, and your motivation is of significant interest to the investigation.
“It’s not the crime, it’s the coverup.”
Buhler said the investigation has been hampered, either physically through direct action or through information that has been provided or omitted in statements to police.
Homicides are almost always related to other criminal activity, Buhler added, and those with information can be reluctant to come forward in fear of revealing their own criminal activity.
“To (those) with information about his murder, we understand the sensitivity and risk around the information you may possess, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns with you,” said Buhler.
Shah, 59, was a well-known landlord who owned several properties in central Edmonton, which he had been accused of failing to properly maintain.
Shah was convicted of a $30-million mortgage fraud in 2008.
Buhler said the investigation is complex and unique.
“Shah was a complex individual who maintained a complicated network of business and personal associations,” he said.
“Mr. Shah was also a husband, a father, a brother, a son and a friend whose death was mourned by those who loved him.”