POLICE APPEAL TO PUBLIC FOR INFORMATION IN HOMICIDE PROBE

MOJTABA SHABANI, 37, FOUND DEAD IN CANAL APRIL 15

South Simcoe Police officers continue to appeal to the public, both locally and internationally, in the homicide investigation into the death of Mojtaba Shabani, whose body was found the Holland Marsh canal in Bradford April 15.

At a news conference held May 12 at the South Simcoe Police Service headquarters at 81 Melbourne Dr., Staff Sgt. Dave Phillips said that a new image of the Shabani, 37, has come to light that shows a better depiction of his likeness before he was last seen.

Investigation has also revealed Shabani was part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Police are appealing to members of that community for any information about him.

Phillips said police do not believe he was targeted because of his orientation, but they are not "turning a blind eye" to that possibility as the probe continues.

Shabani's body was in a barrel when it was discovered. A couple of kayakers on the canal spotted a suspicious object and reported it to police.

Shabani's last known residence to police was in Toronto, but he appears to have lived a "transient" lifestyle. According to Phillips, he was a labourer and often travelled for work.

The cause of Shabani's death is not being released, as the investigation is ongoing, but police have determined his body was not in the canal too long before he was found.

An interpreter from York Regional Police, Sgt. Mina Rahravan, also attended the conference and made an appeal to the public in Farsi.

"We are continuing to work around the clock, pushing this probe forward," Phillips said.

"We want to keep this fresh ... and want to bring justice for Mr. Shabani," Phillips said.

Phillips added they believe there are people out there who know Shabani, be is a friend or a neighbour or someone at a bus stop.

Police are also asking any motorists who travelled along the canal to come forward if they ever noticed anything suspicious or out the ordinary.

"We are appealing to anyone who knew him, no matter how casual," Phillips said.

"Main point of today's meeting is to reach out to members of the community, as we believe they hold the key to important findings in this investigation.

SSP has worked with YRP and Toronto Police Service on this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Andrew Smith at andrew.smith@southsimcoepolice.ca or 905-7753311, ext. 1043, or Det. Ben Irwin at ben.irwin@southsimcoepolice.ca or 905-7753311, ext. 1040. Tips can also be left anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 416-222TIPS.