Edmonton homicide suspect fled in two torched vehicles, police seek public help
Hiwa Palani was shot at a northwest business Tuesday morning. Police are asking witnesses and dashcam footage holders to identify a grey Mazda and red Ford used in the escape.
Sources · local media reports
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Edmonton police are investigating the death of Hiwa Palani, 39, as a homicide after an autopsy confirmed he died of gunshot wounds on Tuesday, July 28.
Palani was shot near a business at 112 Avenue and 149 Street around 11:35 a.m. He was taken to hospital where he died. Police say a man was seen fleeing the area on foot around the time of the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect used two vehicles to escape. A grey 2009 Mazda 3 was driven to 213 Street and 108 Avenue, where it was set on fire and later extinguished by witnesses. The suspect then got into a 2007 red Ford Fusion, drove it to Ada Boulevard and 50 Street, and set it ablaze before Edmonton Fire Rescue Services extinguished that fire. Both vehicles had front bumper body damage.
Police released photos of both vehicles and are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage active between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 28 in any of the three areas to review it for evidence of either vehicle or people associated with them. Anyone with information can call Edmonton Police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
Do police have any suspects or leads on the shooter's identity?
Was there a connection between Palani and the business where he was shot, or does this appear to be random?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who was killed in the Edmonton shooting on July 28, 2026?
Hiwa Palani, 39, was shot near a business at 112 Avenue and 149 Street around 11:35 a.m. on July 28, 2026. He was taken to hospital where he died, and an autopsy confirmed he died of gunshot wounds.
What vehicles did the suspect use to flee?
The suspect used a grey 2009 Mazda 3 and a 2007 red Ford Fusion. Both vehicles were driven to different locations and set on fire by the suspect, with the fires later extinguished by witnesses and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.
How can Edmonton residents help police with this investigation?
Police are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage active between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 28, 2026 in the areas near 112 Avenue and 149 Street, 213 Street and 108 Avenue, or Ada Boulevard and 50 Street to review it for evidence of either vehicle or associated people. Tipsters can call Edmonton Police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
