Leslie Babajid Cole Calgary AB Obituary, Death: A fatal shooting outside a grocery store in northeast Calgary is being investigated as a targeted attack connected to organized crime, according to authorities. Police identified the victim as 35-year-old Leslie Babajid Cole, a Calgary man known to law enforcement.
The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. on May 11 outside the North Hill Co-op grocery store located in the 520 block of 16 Avenue N.E. Emergency crews responded to reports of gunfire in the busy commercial area and found Cole suffering from serious injuries. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators say a second man, believed to be an innocent bystander, was also shot during the chaos. Police said the bystander was attempting to flee the area when he was caught in the crossfire. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The Calgary Police Service homicide unit has taken over the investigation and described the incident as a deliberate, targeted attack. Authorities believe the shooting may have links to organized crime activity, though officials have not publicly disclosed further details about possible suspects or motives.
As of Tuesday, no arrests had been announced, and investigators continue searching for those responsible. Police are asking members of the public who may have witnessed the shooting or captured video footage from nearby security cameras or dashcams to come forward.
The brazen nature of the attack, which unfolded in broad daylight near a busy shopping area, has raised concerns among residents and local business owners. Authorities increased police presence in the area following the shooting while investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Officials say public cooperation could play a crucial role in advancing the investigation. Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Calgary Police Service homicide tip line or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.