A chilling connection has emerged between a violent attack in Vaughan in 2020 and a fatal shooting in Bolton the following year, leading to charges against two individuals and a province-wide search for a third.
The initial incident unfolded on November 12, 2020, when gunshots rang out on Steeles Avenue West in Vaughan. York Regional Police responded to find a victim wounded and rushed to hospital, unknowingly marking the beginning of a dangerous escalation.
Just over a year later, on January 18, 2021, the violence resurfaced with devastating consequences. Caledon OPP officers were called to a home on Harvest Moon Drive in Bolton, where two people had forced their way inside and opened fire.
The attack claimed the life of 65-year-old Giovanni Costa, found deceased at the scene. Investigators soon discovered a disturbing link: one of the Bolton shooting victims was the same individual targeted in the earlier Vaughan attack.
Following a meticulous investigation, Christopher Brown, 28, of Barrie, now faces charges including attempted murder and firearms offenses. Neheniah Tirfe, 25, of Toronto, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with both incidents.
Authorities are urgently seeking Waheed Barakziye, 48, of London, Ontario, who is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. A photograph has been released, and the public is warned not to approach him.
The Caledon OPP Crime Unit, now leading the investigation under the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, believes these arrests represent a significant breakthrough, but the search for justice is far from over. Detectives are actively pursuing additional suspects.
A substantial reward of $50,000 is being offered by the Province of Ontario for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Costa’s murder. Anyone with information is urged to contact Caledon OPP or Crime Stoppers immediately.
Investigators are appealing to the public, hoping that someone holds the key to unraveling the full scope of this interconnected violence and bringing all those involved to account.
