Toronto, Ontario – Three individuals have been convicted of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder in connection with a fatal shooting at a Mississauga restaurant three years ago. The verdict was delivered by a 12-member jury after more than a day of deliberations at the Superior Court in Brampton before Justice David Harris.
The incident took place on May 29, 2021, at Chicken Land restaurant, resulting in the death of Naim Akl, 25, and injuries to four others. Anand Nath, identified as the shooter, Suliman Raza, the alleged getaway driver, and Naqash Abbasi, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack, now face an automatic life sentence without parole for 25 years.
During the trial, it was revealed that the men had ties to ISIS and targeted Akl because he planned to report their activities to the authorities. The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of a key witness who provided crucial details about the men’s allegiance to the terrorist group.
Following the jury’s decision, emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom, with one of the accused shedding tears and another exchanging gestures with the victim’s family. The defense attorneys refrained from commenting on the verdict, citing the need to process the outcome.
In the aftermath of the shooting, further evidence emerged linking the suspects to extremist ideologies and violent intentions. Phone records, witness testimonies, and forensic analysis played a crucial role in establishing the guilt of the accused.
Despite attempts by the defense to discredit key witnesses and challenge the evidence presented, the judge deemed the jury’s decision as “reasonable” in light of the circumstances. The verdict provided a sense of closure for the Akl family, who expressed satisfaction that justice had been served.
Looking ahead, a sentencing hearing for the five counts of attempted murder has been scheduled for June 27, marking the next phase in the legal proceedings. The case highlights the complex nature of criminal investigations and the role of evidence in securing convictions in high-profile cases.