Friends shocked after York University student shot in alleged home invasion

[Aaliyyah]

Friends of a York University student killed in an alleged Mississauga home invasion early Friday are shocked by his sudden death.

 

Ibrahim Abukar, 22, was shot dead on Corkstone Glade after allegedly breaking into a home with two other men. Police said a deadly struggle ensued after the intruders were confronted by the homeowner.

 

“I’m just flabbergasted right now; I’m shocked,” Mohamud Karim, who met Abukar almost 10 years ago in high school, said. “Anybody who meets this guy would say he’s just a kind, welcoming person who’s outgoing.”

 

During his off times from studying at York's Schulich School of Business, friends said Abukar coached youth through the Somali Youth Basketball League, where he spent most of his Saturdays.

 

“He would give advice to kids to go to post-secondary school. A real model for the Somali community,” said Karim. “He was warm.”

 

The Somali Student Association at York University released a statement Saturday, referring to Abukar as “a beautiful man who’s touched so many in our world.”

 

In response to comments on Facebook, a spokesperson for the association said Abukar was at a meeting Thursday night discussing racial profiling and how to rehabilitate prisoners back into society when they’re released.

 

Mohamed Ali grew up in the same neighbourhood as Abukar.

 

“Flamboyant, charismatic, down-to-earth, understanding. These are the words that come to mind,” he said.

 

Karim remembers Abukar giving him advice on his wedding day.

 

“He was like just be patient; life is a test. He was actually giving me advice,” Karim said. “He’s way younger than me and I was really humbled. I’m like, this guy is really remarkable.”

 

Friends said Abukar was entrepreneurial, and was developing a mobile app.

 

Mohamed Hassan also knew Abukar since childhood. He learned of his friend’s death while heading to work Friday.

 

“The guy had a bright future,” said Hassan, adding Abukar was supposed to be best man at a wedding next month.

 

“Everything good that people want for their kids, he was the perfect example,” said Hassan.

 

All three friends said he wasn’t the type for criminal behaviour.

 

“He always avoided that crowd,” Hassan said. “He always told the young guys it’s not the way.”

 

Peel homicide detectives are investigating Abukar’s death and said Saturday night there were no updates in the case. Mike Vrga, the owner of the home where the shooting took place, received minor injuries in the incident. Police are looking for any witnesses that may be able to provide details on the two suspects who fled the scene.

[GaraadMon]

I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of this case in the time to come, not because of the victim himself but because of the discussion over a persons right to defend their home. The last case of a home owner killing an intruder involved a knife, and that case was dragged on for years, I imagine the coverage surrounding this gun related incident will be even greater?

 

With that said, if the investigations concludes it was a home invasion (I think they already have), then I think the alleged victim in this case was in right, as will most people.

[Aaliyyah]

^ If someone breaks into your house you definitely have the right to defend yourself. No doubt about that.

 

From what I read in the article it seemed this young man had a bright future ahead of him noting he was student in one of the best business schools in Canada or should I even say the world. One has to wonder what can lead someone like him to break in someone's home?...

 

May Allah swt have mercy on him and grant his family patience.

[Nin-Yaaban]

What's with Canada anyways? Seems like each story I read here about the Somalis up there is lil more weird than the one before.

[GaraadMon]

Aaliyyah;897436 wrote:

^ If someone breaks into your house you definitely have the right to defend yourself. No doubt about that.

 

From what I read in the article it seemed this young man had a bright future ahead of him noting he was student in one of the best business schools in Canada or should I even say the world. One has to wonder what can lead someone like him to break in someone's home?...

 

May Allah swt have mercy on him and grant his family patience.

Yeah, it's strange to see someone with his educational background being involved in something like this. I would be more sceptical of his alleged criminality if it weren't for the fact that the shooting was captured on a 911 call.

[Nin-Yaaban]

If what the media and the cops are saying is any true, than the homeowner was within his legal rights to defend himself. Almost anyone would've done the samething if they found themselves in a similar situation. Never the less, condolences to the family and the friends of the deceased. AUN.