UMVA has learned that a tragic altercation outside a Tim Hortons in Oshawa last weekend has left a family reeling in grief, with a 23-year-old man stabbed to death in a shocking act of violence.
Abel Mohammadi, a family member, recounted the harrowing events to investigators, revealing that he and his friends, including his cousin Emran Yousufi, were inside the coffee shop when a group of people wearing masks and playing loud music stormed in around 8 p.m. on May 9.
The group allegedly goaded Mohammadi into stepping outside, and moments later, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation. Mohammadi claimed he was punched in the nose, which began bleeding immediately, and a friend alleged that one member of the opposing group pulled out a baton from a fanny pack and tried to hit Mohammadi.
The situation rapidly spiralled out of control, with multiple individuals from the opposing group allegedly ganging up on Mohammadi and his cousin. In a shocking turn of events, someone suddenly pulled out a knife and stabbed Yousufi, leaving him fatally wounded.
Durham Regional Police responded to the scene, and despite efforts to save him, Yousufi was pronounced dead. Several suspects fled the area, but a 16-year-old boy from Brampton later turned himself in and was charged with second-degree murder.
Mohammadi revealed that his cousin had no connection to the opposing group, and his sole intention was to protect him from harm. “They were trying to come after me, and my cousin stepped up, he stepped up, he tried to protect me,” Mohammadi said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Yousufi, the youngest of four siblings, had immigrated to Canada from Afghanistan with his family about a year ago. His friends and family described him as a bright and ambitious young man, who had planned to pursue a career in electrical engineering. His tragic death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him.
The community is urged to come forward with any information or video footage that could aid investigators in bringing justice to Yousufi’s family. Anyone with information can contact the authorities or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
