OSHAWA, Ontario — Durham Regional Police have charged a man in connection with the death of his 80-year-old father, whose body was discovered near a mosque last week.
According to police, 42-year-old Sohaib Bala was taken into custody on Monday afternoon at a residence located near Thornton Road North and Adelaide Avenue West. Authorities confirmed he was arrested without incident and has since been charged with second-degree murder. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
The victim, Ibrahim Bala, was found with severe and “very traumatic” injuries outside a home close to the Oshawa Islamic Centre around 4:30 p.m. last Thursday. Despite efforts by emergency responders to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Police were initially called to the area of McGrigor Street and Simcoe Street South after reports of an unspecified disturbance. Following an investigation, the death was officially classified as a homicide.
Durham Regional Police said they are working closely with community leaders from the Oshawa Islamic Centre to ensure the investigation is handled with transparency, sensitivity, and respect for the family and the broader Muslim community.
The Islamic Centre of Oshawa issued a public statement describing Ibrahim as a beloved and active member of their congregation, calling his loss deeply tragic.
During a Friday press briefing, Constable Nicholas Gluckstein spoke about the community’s grief and praised Ibrahim’s positive impact.
“Everyone we’ve spoken to shared only kind words about him,” Gluckstein said. “He was well known, well respected, and his absence will be felt deeply—especially within the Islamic Centre community.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with police encouraging anyone who may have information related to the case to come forward.
