A Wednesday, July 29, 2026 autopsy determined that Hiwa Palani, 39, died of gunshot wounds, and his death was a homicide.
Homicide investigators are releasing photos of two suspect vehicles. A grey 2009 Mazda 3 was used during the homicide and then driven to 213 Street and 108 Avenue, where it was set on fire. The suspect then got into a 2007 red Ford Fusion and drove it to Ada Boulevard and 50 Street, where it was also set on fire before the suspect fled on foot into the river valley.
The Mazda fire was extinguished by witnesses in the area, and the Ford fire was extinguished by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. Both vehicles were found to have front bumper body damage as shown in the photos below.
Grey 2009 Mazda 3 set on fire at 213 Street and 108 Avenue
Damage to Mazda’s driver’s side bumper
Damaged 2007 Ford Fusion abandoned at Ada Boulevard and 50 Street
Red 2007 Ford Fusion
Investigators are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam video in the above noted areas between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to review their footage for evidence of these vehicles or the people associated to them, and call police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile device. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.