Calgary Police Confirm Discovery of Missing Senior's Remains in Ongoing Homicide Investigation
Calgary police have officially confirmed that human remains discovered more than a year ago belong to a 71-year-old man who had been missing for over two years under suspicious circumstances. The case has taken a complex turn as investigators continue to piece together the events surrounding Abdul Mufti's disappearance and death.
Discovery and Identification Timeline
According to police statements, someone contacted authorities on October 10, 2024, reporting the discovery of human remains in a field near 36th Street and Stoney Trail N.E. in Calgary's northeast sector. After extensive forensic testing, the remains were positively identified as belonging to Abdul Mufti, who had been reported missing in August 2023.
The Calgary Police Service has classified Mufti's death as suspicious, prompting an active investigation by the homicide unit. A police spokesperson emphasized that investigators are currently working to identify suspects and gather additional evidence, though no charges have been laid at this time.
Background of the Missing Person
Abdul Mufti was last seen at his residence on Falworth Way N.E. in the Falconridge community. His disappearance had raised concerns from the beginning due to the unusual circumstances surrounding it. Police records indicate he was 71 years old when he vanished, and his case remained open for more than two years before the grim discovery.
Multiple media reports have revealed a potentially significant connection in this case: Mufti was reportedly a tenant of Shahbaz Ahmed, a man with a documented criminal history who recently died during what authorities described as a self-defence incident. Ahmed was killed while allegedly attacking a woman during a property viewing, according to court records that show he had accumulated criminal charges since at least 2023.
Investigation Status and Challenges
The Calgary Police Service has been working closely with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service to determine the appropriate legal steps forward in this complex investigation. Police have explicitly stated that they have not released any information connecting Mufti to Ahmed, despite the landlord-tenant relationship reported by media sources.
Investigators face the challenge of working with evidence that is more than a year old, as the remains were discovered in October 2024 but only recently confirmed to be Mufti's. The police spokesperson noted that the case remains active but declined to provide specific details about the timeline of identification or potential suspects, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Community Impact and Police Response
This case has drawn attention to missing persons investigations in Calgary, particularly those involving vulnerable seniors. The confirmation of Mufti's death after such an extended disappearance period highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in resolving long-term missing persons cases.
Calgary police have assured the public that their homicide unit is dedicating significant resources to this investigation. The spokesperson stated, "The Calgary homicide unit is actively investigating, identifying suspects, and collecting additional evidence. The case remains active with no charges laid; no further details can be released at this time."
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about Mufti's disappearance or the circumstances surrounding his death to come forward. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting in helping law enforcement resolve missing persons cases.
