Canada-wide warrant issued after man shot to death in Edmonton alley

A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man wanted in connection with a June 12 Edmonton homicide.

At around 6:30 p.m. that day, police found a 21-year-old man dead in an alley between Allard Link and Arthurs Crescent S.W.

He was identified as Osama Ali.

An autopsy determined he died from gunshot wounds and his death was deemed a homicide.

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Man found dead in alley in southwest Edmonton’s Allard neighbourhood

On Sept. 12, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for 22-year-old Joseph Chlala for second-degree murder.

“We are releasing images of Chlala in an attempt to locate him in relation to the murder of Mr. Osama Ali,” said acting Staff Sgt. Jared Buhler.

“While he could be anywhere, we understand he has connections in Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa, so we’re asking citizens to keep a mindful eye out for him.

“We believe Chlala has access to weapons, so citizens are reminded not to approach him if seen, but to contact police immediately.”

Chlala is described as being 165 centimetres (five-foot-five) tall with a heavy build, brown hair and green eyes.

Homicide investigators believe Chlala and Ali knew each other.

“This murder occurred within a context of organized crime,” Buhler said.

Both men were also on police radar before the shooting.

“In addition to these matters, Joseph Chlala is currently wanted in relation to the murder of Christian Navos in Calgary, Alta., in July 2020,” Buhler explained.

Chlala was one of three people charged with first-degree murder in the Calgary homicide and police say he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in January 2023.

However, instead of being remanded into custody after his guilty plea, Chlala was released on bail while awaiting his sentencing.

In a statement, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) wrote: “The ACPS opposed release at a bail hearing on April 21, 2021. He was released by the court after a contested hearing.

“The accused was released on 28 strict bail conditions and complied with these conditions for almost two years. He also did not miss any court appearances during that period.

“Subsequently, the ACPS was not in a position to successfully apply for bail revocation.”

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2 adults, 1 youth charged with first-degree murder in southeast Calgary homicide

The entire situation didn’t sit well with Edmonton’s mayor, Amarjeet Sohi.

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“This is another failure of the lack of integration within the justice system,” he said.

“It’s impossible to commit another murder if the (suspect) is in jail,” Buhler said.

“It’s certainly a matter of concern for us.”

“There has to be more onus before the bail is granted,” Sohi said. “We’ve been asking for this reform.”

In a statement, Chantalle Aubertin, a spokesperson for Canada’s Justice Minister Arif Virani, wrote: “We have faith that law enforcement will apprehend the individual in this matter. But it would be inappropriate to speak to a specific case that is before the courts.

“In May of this year, former Minister Lametti introduced Bill C-48, which targets individuals who are repeatedly engaging in serious, violent crime. This bill has been met with approval by premiers of all political stripes, as well as Canada’s major police associations.

“Minister Virani has been pleased to see provincial governments, who are responsible for the administration of justice, step up and provide much-needed resources to improve bail enforcement,” Aubertin wrote.

Anyone who has information about Joseph Chlala’s whereabouts is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

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