Homicide victim identified after body pulled from Bradford canal
South Simcoe Police have identified a man whose body was pulled from the Bradford canal on Friday in the area of Canal and Simcoe roads.
During a brief investigation update, South Simcoe Police Insp. Sheryl Sutton said the body of Mojtaba Shabani, 37, from the Toronto area, was discovered by kayakers, who "saw a suspicious object" and contacted police.
Days later, police announced the man's death had been ruled a homicide following an autopsy.
"Police have determined that Mr. Shabani had ties to Toronto but appears to have lived a transient lifestyle."
Sutton said Shabani moved to Canada in 2010 from Iran.
The police inspector said the investigation was "in the very early stages," as she appealed to the public for information.
"We want to hear from anyone with information regarding his movements in the days and weeks prior to his death. We're also seeking information regarding his next of kin or anyone that may have known him."
Sutton said police would like to locate three vehicles that Shabani "may have had access" to:
- 2004 grey Honda Accord, licence plate number CHAW891
- 2001 blue Honda Civic, licence plate number BVHR490
- 2003 red Volkswagen, licence plate number CFPC027
"If they see these vehicles, if they’re parked in your garage, or they’re parked in a plaza, and you see them, please give police a call. They are registered to Mr. Shabani, and we’re just trying to locate those vehicles."
Sutton noted the authorities are not releasing further information on the investigation at this time, including whether Shabani was known to the police.
They also did not reveal the cause of death.
Investigators ask anyone with information that could assist police with this case to contact Det. Const. Andrew Smith at 905-775-3311, 705-436-2141, ext. 1043, or via email, or Det. Ben Irwin at 905-775-3311 ext. 1040 or via email.
Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.