SASKATOON – A man charged with first-degree murder in 29-year-old Brandon Baxandall's death has been released from jail Wednesday after a show cause hearing was held in Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench on Dec. 16.
Friends and family of the victim report being stunned and devastated that Mohamed Abdula Ali was granted bail. They told SASKTODAY.ca Thursday that they do not feel the victim or his family are being seen or heard in this decision.
"It is very concerning that a person accused of first degree murder is granted bail while a second suspect remains at large on a Canada wide warrant," said the family. "The victim will not spend Christmas, or any other occasion with his children and family, while the suspect is permitted by the courts to go home to his."
Ali is due back in Saskatoon Provincial Court on March 3, 2023, to speak to his charges. Jonathan Ouellet-Gendron was also charged with first-degree murder in Baxandall's death and Saskatoon Police are still searching for Ouellet-Gendron.
According to SPS, members of their Major Crime, Serious Assault and Forensic Identification Sections started investigating after they received reports around 4:30 p.m. on May 19 of shots being fired in the area of 100 block of Main Street East. They found an injured man. Shortly after, police received more calls about shots fired in the 700 block of Melrose Avenue and found another injured man who was taken to Saskatoon City Hospital.
When police arrived at Melrose Avenue, they found Baxandall deceased behind an apartment building.
Ouellet-Gendron still wanted
Police say Ouellet-Gendron is 5-foot-6 and about 140 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He has numerous tattoos including a Mayan statue on his right hand, a black rose on his left wrist and a gorilla on his upper torso.
Anyone with information on Jonathan Ouellet-Gendron’s whereabouts is asked not to approach him and call 9-1-1 or 306-975-8300. Ouellet-Gendron is believed to be in possession of a firearm. Anyone wishing to provide information but remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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