Toronto police seek two suspects in the killing of Malik Abbas, 18

TORONTO — Toronto Police Service has announced Canada-wide arrest warrants for two young men, aged 17 and 19, in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old in Etobicoke, in the city's west end. The killing has shocked and saddened the local community.

In a statement issued Saturday, police said they had identified two suspects in the killing of Malik Abbas, a young man from Mississauga who died of his injuries after being shot on November 7.

The suspects face charges that include second-degree murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Shooting ends the life of a young man

The crime dates to Saturday, November 7, 2026, when Toronto police received a report of a shooting near the intersection of Rathburn Road and The East Mall, at about 4:30 p.m.

When officers arrived, they found Malik Abbas suffering from gunshot wounds.

Paramedics provided life-saving measures before he was taken to hospital for treatment.

The young man died of his injuries despite efforts to save him.

Investigators said the suspects left the scene before police arrived, prompting a wide investigation to identify and track them.

The incident was classified as Toronto's 33rd homicide since the start of 2026.

Warrant for a 19-year-old

Police said one of the wanted men is Armani Callender, 19, of Toronto.

He faces four charges in the case: second-degree murder, attempted murder, possession of a firearm without a licence, and possession of a loaded firearm contrary to law.

Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest that applies across Canada.

Police also released his photo as part of their efforts to locate and arrest him.

Authorities did not announce any possible hiding place or confirmed information about his movements after the crime.

Second suspect, 17

The investigation also involves another young man, aged 17, from Toronto, for whom a nationwide arrest warrant has been issued on the same four charges.

Police said they obtained an exceptional court order to publish the identity and photo of the young suspect.

The order remains in effect until 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2026.

The identities of youths in criminal cases in Canada are protected by special legal provisions, though publication can be permitted in specific circumstances under court orders.

The charges against the two young men are not proof of guilt, and each is presumed innocent in law until proven guilty in court.

Victim's family grieves

The police announcement came two days after Malik Abbas's family and friends gathered for a vigil on Thursday, November 12, near the site of the shooting.

Representatives of the Zumunta Association of African Muslims in Canada took part, along with residents of the area.

Nour El-Din Hussein, a representative of the association, said Malik arrived in Canada less than four years ago, in search of a better life and a more stable future.

He said Malik's mother came to the country with four children, and Malik was her second child.

Participants expressed their sorrow over the loss of the young man, saying he did not deserve to have his life end this way.

Those present lit candles in his memory, amid emotional scenes among family members and friends.

Police acknowledge psychological impact

Inspector Jeff Allington of Toronto Police Service had earlier acknowledged that fatal shootings leave deep psychological effects on residents.

He said police understand the scale of the trauma that can affect people who live or work near the scene of a crime.

He said investigators are attentive to the concerns of the local community as efforts continue to identify those responsible for the shooting.

Police have not disclosed a possible motive for the crime or the nature of the relationship between the victim and the two suspects.

They also did not provide further details about the attempted murder charge, or about the identity of anyone else who may have been put at risk during the incident.

Public asked to help locate the suspects

Toronto police asked anyone with information about the suspects' whereabouts or the circumstances of the crime to contact investigators.

Police set up the number 416-808-7400 to receive information related to the case.

They also published photos of the wanted men in their official statement to help the public identify them.

The Homicide and Missing Persons Unit continues to investigate, while Malik Abbas's family hopes the police efforts will uncover all the circumstances of his killing and bring those responsible to justice.