The Edmonton Police Service says investigators believe two separate shootings last month that left three people dead are connected to each other — and involves a case of mistaken identity.
On Tuesday, the EPS released new video in connection with three shooting deaths in an effort to generate new tips from the public as they work to make an arrest.
Police held a news conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to talk about the cases.
Det. Jared Buhler of the EPS’ homicide section said the killings are “believed to be related to an ongoing conflict involving retaliatory violence between Edmonton-based groups.”
“There remains significant concern for future violence.”
Buhler said it was too early to say definitively if both incidents involved the same shooter, but reiterated investigators believe the two attacks are connected.
On March 7, police were called to a weapons complaint in the area of 132A Avenue and 66 Street just after 7:30 p.m.
“Officers discovered Mohamed Lamin Fofanah, 20, and Mya Abialmouna, 21, in a vehicle suffering from serious injuries,” the EPS said in a news release. “The two individuals succumbed to their injuries on scene.
“Autopsies confirmed they died from multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death was homicide.”
READ MORE: EPS homicide detectives investigate deaths of 2 people in vehicle in north Edmonton
On Tuesday, Buhler told reporters that the victims were involved in a minor vehicle collision. Fofanah and Abialmouna were waiting for police after they were called about the crash. The family in the other vehicle involved, including an infant, were waiting as well.
The shooting left Fofanah and Abialmouna dead but the family from the other vehicle was not hurt.
Buhler said the shooting suspect was last seen running east from the scene across 66 Street.
On March 15, police were called to a weapons complaint in the Londonderry area, near 144 Avenue and 72 Street, just before 6:30 a.m.
“Officers located Usama Ibrahinadan, 20, lying in the street,” the EPS said. His body was found lying on the street, near an apartment complex and Londonderry School.
READ MORE: Police investigate ‘suspicious’ death in northeast Edmonton, area resident says he heard gunshots
An autopsy was performed on March 20 and confirmed the man died from gunshot injuries. His death was ruled a homicide.
On Tuesday, Buhler said investigators believe Ibrahinadan was “ambushed outside his residence while preparing to leave for work as a security guard.”
“While targeted, he is believed to have been mistaken for a close friend of Mohamed Fofanah, who resides in the same building.”
Police said they believe Fofanah, Abialmouna and Ibrahinadan “were all targeted, and (their deaths) are related.”
On Tuesday, police released video of the shooting suspect in the Ibrahinadan shooting. They said it also shows two other people of interest.
“The video shows a suspect male in a unique black Hugo brand sweatsuit and black Yeezy brand shoes discharging a firearm,” the EPS said.
“Prior to the shooting, the suspect is captured on video with two males, one in a blue Jeune Studios brand tracksuit and one in red Adidas track pants and red and white Air Jordan shoes.
“The blue tracksuit is believed to be a unique Edmonton product made in limited quantities and marketed locally through Instagram. The Hugo brand sweatsuit worn by the shooter is also believed to be a fairly rare commodity in Edmonton, sold in only two locations in 2021.”
Police said investigators have yet to determine if the two people of interest in the video were involved with the shooting, but noted “they clearly know the shooter.”
“All these individuals should be considered armed and dangerous,” Buhler said, adding police have yet to recover the gun(s) believed to be used in the killings.
Anyone with information about the shootings, suspect or people of interest is asked to call the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
At Tuesday’s news conference, Buhler also appealed for the two people of interest seen in the video to come forward.
“You did not shoot Usama Ibrahinadan,” he said. “Your role and jeopardy in this … (homicide) remain subject to inquiry.
“We urge you to identify yourself to this investigation. You are uniquely positioned to identify Usama Ibrahinadan’s killer. You’ll be treated fairly. It’s never too late to do the right thing.”
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