2 more people charged in connection with shooting that killed Karolina Huebner-Makurat

Two more people have been charged in connection with their alleged role in an east-end shooting that killed a mother of two back in July.

In a news release issued Tuesday, Toronto police said 20-year-old Ahmed Mustafa Ibrahim has been charged with manslaughter, robbery and failing to comply with the terms of his probation in the death of Karolina Huebner-Makurat. He was scheduled to appear in court today.

Ibrahim is the second person charged who police allege was directly involved with the killing, following Damian Hudson, who was charged with second-degree murder last month. 

Pickering woman Khalila Zara Mohammed, 23, was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to an indictable offence and obstructing justice in connection with the case, police said Tuesday. She was also scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

In a statement sent to CBC News, South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) CEO Jason Altenberg and interim Board Chair Emily Hill said they were "distressed to learn" that a person charged with accessory after the fact and obstruction of justice in connection with the shooting had been working at the site's consumption and treatment centre since 2021. The centre later confirmed Mohammed worked there.

"These allegations are deeply concerning to us and to the community," the statement reads. "They are also devastating and disappointing to the many SRCHC staff who work professionally and compassionately every day to deliver a range of essential health and wellbeing services to patients and clients in the area."

Police still looking for 3rd suspect

The statement also says Mohammed was placed on leave for "unrelated concerns" last Wednesday.

"We continue to cooperate fully with the Toronto Police Service in this investigation and have no further details about this individual's alleged involvement," the statement goes on to say.

Investigators say they are still trying to track down a third suspect wanted in connection with the altercation itself.

The shooting happened on the afternoon of July 7, Toronto police say, in the area of Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue. 

Investigators say there was a physical altercation between three men, when two of them pulled out guns and fired at each other. 

'Life is short, hug your loved ones,' victim's husband says

Huebner-Makurat, 44, was walking in the area when she was hit by a stray bullet. She was rushed to hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Leslieville residents set up a makeshift memorial for Huebner-Makurat shortly after her death, laying flowers, candles and notes mourning her.

Hours after the shooting, Adrian Makurat, who identified himself as the husband of the victim, posted on social media asking for privacy and calling it a "tragic day."

"Life is short. Hug your loved ones every moment you get the chance," he wrote on a Facebook profile with pictures of the couple and two young girls.

Residents who live near the health centre say they are frustrated.

At the end of July, residents organized a public town hall where neighbours said the centre wasn't doing enough to address violence in the area.

"We're continuing to see drug dealing, we're continuing to see aggressive behaviour. And we're seeing an increase of illegal activity happening in the community," resident Andrea Nickel said on Tuesday night.

Added resident Jeri Brown: "The program will work best if every party can realize that we all share a goal of community safety. And it's got to be safety for people who rely on those programs, as well as safety for the community, for kids walking to school."

The residents said they hope there will be an in-depth review by all three levels of government.