Edmonton homicide: police identify victim, seek help tracking two vehicles used and torched
Edmonton homicide: Police identify victim Hiwa Palani and seek public help to find two vehicles used and torched after a July 28 shooting in west Edmonton.
A man found with gunshot wounds in a west-end business park has been confirmed as a homicide victim, and Edmonton police are asking the public for help identifying two vehicles they say were used in the attack. The Edmonton homicide investigation centers on a shooting that occurred July 28 near 112 Avenue and 149 Street, and authorities say the suspect set two getaway vehicles on fire while fleeing the scene. Investigators have released descriptions of the cars and are urging anyone with footage or information from the area between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day to come forward.
Victim identified as Hiwa Palani
Autopsy results released on July 29 confirmed the victim as 39-year-old Hiwa Palani, who died of gunshot wounds, Edmonton police said. Officers located Palani at the business park after receiving reports of a shooting just after 11:35 a.m. on July 28, and Emergency Medical Services transported him to hospital, where he later died. Homicide detectives have taken carriage of the file and are continuing forensic and follow-up work.
Two vehicles allegedly used and set ablaze
Police describe the first vehicle involved as a grey 2009 Mazda 3 that the suspect used during the shooting before driving it to the area of 213 Street and 108 Avenue and setting it on fire. The suspect then reportedly transferred to a second vehicle described as a 2007 red Ford Fusion, which was driven to Ada Boulevard and 50 Street and also set alight. Witnesses assisted in extinguishing the burning Mazda before emergency crews arrived, while Edmonton Fire Services extinguished the blaze in the Ford; both cars were found to have front bumper damage.
Sequence of events and suspect escape
According to police timelines, the shooting and subsequent vehicle fires took place on the morning of July 28 and the suspect fled into the River Valley after leaving the second vehicle ablaze. Investigators say the two cars were used in tandem, suggesting the suspect moved between them to avoid detection and to cover tracks through the city. Officers worked the scene through the afternoon and deployed detectives to canvass nearby businesses, residences and trail systems in the River Valley as part of the search.
Evidence appeal to residents and motorists
Edmonton Police Service is asking residents, businesses and drivers in three key areas to review any CCTV or dashcam footage recorded between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 28 for images of either vehicle or people associated with them. Anyone with relevant video or information is asked to call EPS at 780-423-4567, dial #377 from a mobile phone, or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Police stressed that even short clips or images captured before or after the incident could contain valuable leads for detectives.
Scene response and forensic examination
Edmonton Fire Services attended to extinguish the blaze at the second vehicle, while witnesses helped put out the first car before crews arrived, according to police statements. Forensic examiners have documented burn patterns and photographed damage to the front bumpers of both vehicles, and detectives are seeking any reports of collisions or towing activity involving similar cars in the days prior to the homicide. Investigators are also canvassing local businesses for additional footage and asking delivery drivers and commuters who were in the area to check devices for recordings.
Ongoing investigation and public safety measures
Homicide investigators said the probe remains active and they are following multiple lines of inquiry, including possible surveillance of nearby trail systems where the suspect was last believed to have fled. Police encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to avoid confronting anyone they suspect of involvement, instead reporting tips to EPS or Crime Stoppers. Detectives indicated that charges will be determined once sufficient evidence has been gathered and that they continue to coordinate with forensic teams to piece together the full sequence of events.
Community members with information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact police immediately, as even small details can help corroborate timelines and identify persons of interest. The Edmonton homicide unit reiterated that tips can be provided confidentially and that investigators appreciate the public’s cooperation as they work to establish accountability and ensure neighbourhood safety.
