Rami Hajj Ali: Investigation into Charges Against Black Teens in Fatal Shooting to be Conducted by RCMP

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Calgary Police Service Requests RCMP to Conduct Full Investigation into Charges Against Black Teens in Fatal Shooting

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has made a significant decision to involve the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in conducting a thorough investigation into the charges laid against two Black teenagers in a fatal shooting incident that occurred earlier this month in Marlborough Park. Police Chief Mark Neufeld announced this development during a recent meeting with the Calgary Police Commission.

Expressing his concern over the matter, Chief Neufeld stated, “This is indeed a very unfortunate situation. It clearly demonstrates the dedication of our homicide investigators, who relentlessly pursue the truth even in the most serious cases.”

The decision to involve the RCMP in the investigation was prompted by the emergence of new evidence that suggested the individuals in custody were not responsible for the crime. Chief Neufeld emphasized that such situations are rare and highlighted the CPS’s commitment to conduct an independent review of all circumstances leading up to the charges against the two teenagers.

To ensure the impartiality of the review, Chief Neufeld confirmed that the RCMP had agreed to undertake this task, relieving the CPS from conducting the investigation itself. Additionally, the review will also address concerns related to racial profiling, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the case.

The incident occurred on November 13 at approximately 2 p.m. when the police responded to a shooting at a strip mall in the Marlborough Park community. Rami Hajj Ali, a 23-year-old, was found shot to death inside a vehicle parked at the mall, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.

Following the incident, the CPS arrested and charged two males, aged 14 and 18, in connection with the murder. Notably, these individuals were part of an intervention program aimed at preventing newcomers from becoming involved in organized crime. However, the charges against them were stayed on November 21 due to the emergence of new evidence.

Chief Neufeld expressed his pride in the investigators who brought forth this crucial evidence, acknowledging the impact it had on the community. He emphasized that the investigation was not a result of profiling but rather a combination of various factors that led the investigators to believe the two young men were responsible for the crime.

In light of the stay of charges, the CPS issued an apology to the brothers, their family, and the community affected by the arrests, recognizing the distress caused by the situation.

The shooting incident in Marlborough Park is one of several recent incidents in Calgary that have raised concerns. The CPS Deputy Chief Ryan Ayliffe highlighted the alarming rise in public and audacious shootings connected to organized crime in the city. He acknowledged the impact of these incidents on the sense of safety within the community.

To tackle the issue, the specialized organized crime unit of the CPS is actively monitoring 350 offenders associated with organized crime and working towards confiscating illegal firearms frequently used by these groups. Deputy Chief Ayliffe revealed that since the beginning of 2023, at least 1,628 firearms have been seized, recovered, or turned in to the police in Calgary. Of these, nearly 400 firearms satisfy the definition of a “crime gun.”

Looking ahead, Chief Neufeld expressed his anticipation for the lessons that may arise from the independent review conducted by the RCMP. This step signifies the commitment of the CPS towards transparency, accountability, and ensuring justice in the face of such complex and challenging cases..