CBC News
Monday, June 06, 2011
Sources have identified the victim as Abdi Ali, a man in his late 30's. He was killed early Friday morning at 106A Avenue and 86th Street.
Police have not revealed the cause of death, but the victim's body was discovered face down in an alley with a large bloodstain that had soaked the back of his shirt.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots, screams and people running at the time of the incident.
Ali is the 13th man from Edmonton's Somali community to be killed in less than three years, and the third in 2011.
Yusuf Abdirahim, 20, died from a blow to the head two weeks ago after being found unconscious in northeast Edmonton. Police are not looking for suspects. A police source tells CBC News it was self-defence and no charges will be laid.
Mohamud Jama, 23, was shot and killed three hours after ringing in the New Year at Papyrus Lounge. No arrests have been made in his death.
At least 26 young men of Somali heritage have been killed in Alberta in the past six years. Community leaders say the death toll is as high as 34 victims. Most are Canadian-born or grew up in Canada.
The latest homicide prompted words of reassurance to citizens from the acting police chief during a news conference Friday afternoon.
"If you are an Edmontonian and go about your everyday business in a normal fashion, you are very safe," said David Korol.
"However, if you choose to lead a high-risk lifestyle by purchasing, selling or consuming drugs or associating with those involved in criminal activity, you are putting yourself at risk."
Ali's autopsy is scheduled for Monday afternoon.