Authorities across Canada have initiated nationwide manhunt, following a murder incident that transpired in the southwest region of Edmonton in June. A suspect has been identified, with a previous connection to a homicide case in Calgary.
The victim, 21-year-old Osama Ali, was tragically gunned down in the obscure confines of an alleyway near Allard Boulevard SW and Arthurs Crescent SW in Edmonton. The incident, occurring at approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 14, was subsequently denoted as a homicide by the police.
The law enforcement announced on Thursday that Joseph Chlala, a 22-year-old individual, has been subject to an issued warrant for his alleged involvement in Ali’s killing, charged with second-degree murder.
Chlala is acknowledged to have established connections to several locations within Canada including Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, and Ottawa, Ontario. It hasn’t been dismissed, however, that he could be virtually anywhere in Canada, or might have even fled abroad, as expressed by Standing Staff Sgt. Jared Buhler of the Edmonton Police Service.
Offering a description to facilitate recognition, Chlala is about 5’5″ tall, bears a robust physique, and has brown hair coupled with green eyes. Authorities warn that he could be armed and poses a threat, thus no attempts should be undertaken to interact with him personally.
The Edmonton Police Service also released a video featuring Chlala on the same day of Ali’s mass murder. The intent is to generate tips regarding Chlala’s location, though Buhler clarified that Chlala’s actions depicted in the video are irrelevant to the murder case.
On top of the recent warrant, Chlala pleaded guilty in the unrelated manslaughter case involving Christian Navos in Calgary during 2020. Notably, he was absent for his sentencing hearing in March and breached his bail condition by removing a tracking bracelet.
Buhler emphasized the gravity of the situation, poised by the possibility of a convicted murderer committing another murder during bail. It was unusual, as per Buhler’s extensive experience, for a convicted murderer to be released pre-sentencing.
Investigation revealed that Chlala and Ali were familiar with each other. Moreover, Ali was known to the law enforcement. Buhler noted that the murder took place in the backdrop of organized crime.
Despite no particular geographical ties to the crime scene, Buhler acknowledged the alarm and trauma experienced by the residents. He noted the significance of the murder’s effect on the feeling of safety within the community.
Meanwhile, Edmonton has been witnessing an escalating trend of gun-related homicides. Of the 27 homicides this year, 17 instances involved the use of guns. Buhler attributed the surge to the alarming proliferation of firearms. Technological advancements in medical practice, he admitted, have kept the fatality count from potentially doubling.
Finally, the police are appealing to the public for any information regarding Chlala’s whereabouts. The Edmonton Police Service can be reached at 780-423-4567, or any local police department. Anonymous leads can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
