Man found dead in Bradford was LGBTQ Toronto community member: Police
Posted May 12, 2022 4:34 pm.
Last Updated May 12, 2022 5:18 pm.
Investigators with South Simcoe Police are appealing to the public for help after the body of a man with ties to Toronto’s LGTBQ community was found inside a barrel in Bradford.
Police say the body of Mojtaba Shabani, who also went by “Erik” or “Moji,” was discovered in the Bradford Canal at approximately 1:30 p.m. on April 15.
An autopsy determined that Shabani was a homicide victim. Police are calling on the public for help with the investigation.
On Thursday, investigators said Shabani moved to Canada from Iran in 2010, and police could not track down any local or international relatives.
“Someone knows something,” said Staff Sergeant Dave Phillips. “We need you to come forward and assist police in advancing this homicide investigation. Your information, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, could be the key.”
Phillips said investigators are trying to piece together Shabani’s life — specifically, the last year — and are appealing to anyone with information regarding his ex-partners, family, friends, employment and recent movements to speak with police.
Phillips also said that it’s not clear in the investigation if Shabani was targeted because of his affiliation to the LGTBQ community.
“We’re not sure of that quite yet,” Phillips said. “But we’re not turning a blind eye to any possibility.”
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story named a different city.
