York police have confirmed that a 46-year-old man killed in a Vaughan home invasion this weekend died from gunshot wounds.
In that incident, 46-year-old Abdul Aleem Farooqi was killed in his home in the area of Andreeta Drive and Barons Street just before 1 a.m. Sunday, police said.
At a news conference updating the public on several recent violent crimes in York Region, Insp. Paolo Fiore said three suspects entered the residence through the rear entrance.
“When Farooqi confronted them, he was fatally shot,” he said.
Police said the home invasion was targeted for monetary purposes, but Farooqi was not involved in criminal activity in anyway.
Political leaders and close friends had told CBC News this week that Farooqi was shot and killed in front of his children. Farooqi lived with his wife and four children in the residence, police said. York police confirmed Wednesday that Farooqi was killed by gunfire, dying at the scene, but did not confirm whether his children witnessed the incident.
All suspects were described as masked males wearing dark clothing. The suspects were separately described as six feet, five feet nine inches, and one of undetermined height of thin build.
Chief Jim MacSween urged the public not to engage with criminals during a home invasion “unless absolutely necessary,” but to do everything they can to stay safe until police arrive. That contradicted comments made by Premier Doug Ford earlier this week.
“I have a saying for the folks that are defending their homes: ‘I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by six.’ And unfortunately, my friend Aleem is going to be carried by six because he’s trying to defend his family,” Ford said Tuesday.
Asked about Ford’s comments, MacSween said he had no concerns, but it was not what York police recommend.
“The premier can make his own statement and his own mind up about that,” he said. “As it stands, we know the best defence for most people is to comply.”
MacSween and investigators also provided updates on another Vaughan homicide from last week, as well as a Markham home invasion and a suspicious fire in Richmond Hill on Labour Day.
“To the community at large, we understand the concern and attention these incidents have garnered,” MacSween said. “Those responsible will be held accountable.”
