Key Points
- Caledon OPP arrested a 32-year-old man from London, Ontario, identified as Elias Akhi, on Tuesday, charging him with first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 Bolton homicide.
- A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for 48-year-old Waheed Barakziye from London, Ontario, facing charges of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
- The murder victim was 65-year-old Giovanni Costa of Bolton, found dead on 18 January 2021 following a home invasion shooting on Harvest Moon Drive.
- Giovanni Costa's son, Michael Costa, was injured in the same Bolton shooting and had previously survived an attempted murder shooting on 12 November 2020 on Steeles Avenue West in Vaughan.
- Earlier arrests include Christopher Brown, 28, of Barrie, charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, discharging a firearm with intent, and possession of firearms contrary to a prohibition order; and Neheniah Tirfe, 25, of Toronto, charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
- In total, four people have now been arrested in connection with the linked Vaughan attempted murder and Bolton homicide.
- A $50,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Giovanni Costa’s murder.
- Police warn the public not to approach Waheed Barakziye and to call 911 if sighted; the investigation is led by Caledon OPP, having taken over from York Regional Police.
- Elias Akhi was already serving a 14-year sentence for masterminding a cross-border gun-smuggling operation known as Project Pistachio.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) from Caledon have arrested one suspect and issued a Canada-wide warrant for another in a long-standing murder investigation tied to a 2021 home invasion in Bolton, Ontario, marking significant progress in a case that has lingered for nearly five years. The developments connect a fatal shooting of 65-year-old local resident Giovanni Costa to an earlier attempted murder in nearby Vaughan, with four arrests now recorded in total. Authorities continue to seek public assistance amid warnings about the fugitive suspect.
What Happened in the Bolton Murder?
On 18 January 2021, Caledon OPP officers responded to a residence on Harvest Moon Drive in Bolton, where two individuals had entered the home and shot two occupants. As detailed in reports from multiple outlets, one victim was 65-year-old Giovanni Costa of Bolton, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was his son, Michael Costa, who sustained gunshot wounds but survived; Michael had been the target of a prior shooting just over two months earlier.
As reported by journalists covering the Caledon OPP investigation, the elder Giovanni Costa was not the intended target, with the violence aimed at his son. This detail emerged from Detective Inspector Steven Martell of the OPP, who noted the connection to the previous incident. The shootings underscore a pattern of targeted violence in the Greater Toronto Area, now under unified OPP leadership after York Regional Police initially handled the Vaughan case.
Who Are the Newly Arrested and Wanted Suspects?
Caledon OPP arrested a 32-year-old from London, Ontario, on Tuesday, charging them with first-degree murder and attempted murder, as per the initial police announcement. This individual is Elias Akhi, 32, of London, who was already in custody serving a 14-year prison sentence for unrelated crimes, according to an OPP spokesperson cited in coverage.
As reported by staff at LF Press, Elias Akhi was charged on Tuesday with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Akhi had pleaded guilty in January to directing the import and export of guns as part of a criminal organization, importing firearms, and conspiring to traffic in firearms alongside convicted murderer William McDonald, in the London Police's Project Pistachio investigation that resulted in 70 arrests and over 500 charges in 2023. During his sentencing hearing on 27 January before Superior Court Justice Kelly Gorman, Akhi stated,
“I’ve met a lot of people in jail who lost family members, who lost their good fathers, related to gun violence. I’m just very sorry. I destroyed myself. I destroyed my family. I just want to apologize for my actions.”
He received 38 months credit for pre-trial custody as part of a joint submission.
A Canada-wide warrant targets 48-year-old Waheed Barakziye of London, Ontario, facing identical serious charges including first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. As stated by OPP Det.-Insp. Steven Martell in a press release covered widely,
“While Waheed Barakziye is known to frequent London and the Greater Toronto Area, we are also investigating information that he may have fled the country.”
Martell added,
“Our investigators remain committed to finding answers for the victim’s family and the community. Anyone with information is urged to contact police. If you see this individual, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.”
What Are the Details of the Earlier Vaughan Shooting?
The linked incident occurred on 12 November 2020 at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Steeles Avenue West in Vaughan, where York Regional Police responded to a shooting. One victim, later identified as Michael Costa, was located and transported to hospital for treatment. Coverage from Seekr and CityNews Toronto confirms this victim was the same individual injured again two months later in Bolton.
Investigators describe two individuals entering the Bolton home in a similar manner, highlighting the connection between the events. As part of the ongoing probe now led by Caledon OPP, officials have confirmed the handover from York Regional Police. This sequence of attacks points to a deliberate conspiracy, as reflected in the charges against the suspects.
Who Else Has Been Arrested in This Case?
Prior to the latest developments, police arrested Christopher Brown, 28, of Barrie, on Tuesday, charging him with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, discharging a firearm with intent, and possession of firearms contrary to a prohibition order. A day later, Neheniah Tirfe, 25, of Toronto, was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Both Brown and Tirfe were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday following their arrests earlier in the month.
In January 2022, with assistance from the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, one person was arrested in Scarborough and charged as an accessory after the fact to murder, bringing the total arrests to four. As noted by Detective Inspector Steven Martell in an October 2023 update covered by Just Sayin' Caledon,
“Thanks to several public tips, investigators have identified new leads that are now being actively pursued in the homicide of Giovanni Costa. While one individual was arrested, efforts continue to locate two others captured in the released video. A $50,000 reward remains available and we urge anyone with further information to come forward and help bring answers to Giovanni’s family.”
Police had released video footage of suspects to aid the investigation.
What Is the Status of the Investigation and Public Appeals?
Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Costa’s murder, a detail reiterated across reports from CTV News, Seekr, and CityNews Toronto. Police continue to appeal to the public for assistance as the investigation unfolds. As warned in multiple releases, the public should not approach Waheed Barakziye if seen and must contact police immediately.
The Caledon OPP leads the probe, with Det.-Insp. Steven Martell emphasising commitment to the victim’s family and community. Earlier efforts included public tips and video releases that advanced the case incrementally. With four arrests secured, the focus remains on apprehending Barakziye to fully resolve the matter.