Durham Region police investigating after man, 80, dies near mosque in Oshawa, Ont.

Police in Durham Region say they’re investigating the death of an 80-year-old man in Oshawa, Ont., Thursday night as a homicide.

Police say they were called to the area of Mcgrigor Street and Simcoe Street just before 4:30 p.m. for a report of unknown trouble.

They say when officers arrived they found a male with “obvious signs of trauma,” and he was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving measures.

Police have identified the victim as Ibrahim Bala, of Oshawa.

Police say they’re investigating “all potential motives” behind the incident and officers are aware it happened near a place of worship.

The Islamic Centre of Oshawa has confirmed Bala was a member of their community.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2025.