Mystery of body on Edmonton Synagogue grounds

Beth Israel Synagogue. Photo Beth Israel website.

EDMONTON – A mystery is shaping up over the discovery of the body of a Toronto man found shot to death on the grounds of a synagogue.

21-year-old Abdulaziz Osman Isse, who is originally from Toronto, was found dead on the grounds of Beth Israel Synagogue on Wolf Willow Road on Thursday, police said.

“Around 8:45 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, police were contacted by staff of the Beth Israel Synagogue on Wolf Willow Road after they discovered the body of what appears to be an adult male on the grounds surrounding the building,” police said earlier.

“Officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a male near Wolf Willow Road in Edmonton’s west end Thursday morning. At this point the EPS is able to confirm that the victim suffered apparent gun shot injuries and the death is now being ruled a homicide,” police added in a statement on the weekend.

 Isse was not known to Edmonton police and was not homeless. There is no connection to drugs and gangs, that Edmonton police were able to find. But some media reports said Isse is known to Toronto police, although it was not clear in what context.

 ”Gang and drug section officers have been notified but a gang or drug connection has not been confirmed. Any connection to previous homicides in Edmonton has not been established at this time,” said police.

“At this point there appears to be no connection to the synagogue near where the body was found,” police added. It was unclear whether the man was shot on the grounds of the synagogue or dumped there after his death.

Police are asking anyone who knows about Isse’s movements to contact them. They are trying to determine what Isse did after arriving in Edmonton as well as when he arrived.

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