Thurs Nov 23: Sharif Rahman Awarded Peace Medal; New Murder Charge in 6th Ave W Shooting

Plus: Master Gardener Jennifer Deeks ponders, what makes you a gardener?

Today’s edition feels heavy with crime news, but one local case remains frustratingly open without updates.

Sharif Rahman was celebrated and remembered yesterday at the YMCA Peace Medal ceremony as a peacemaker who profoundly impacted his community. His wife, Shayela, and daughter Shaiqua, accepted the award on his behalf.

He’s the first recipient of a local posthumous peace medal. Sharif received multiple nominations for demonstrating the values of participation, empathy, advocacy, community, and empowerment. He’ll be remembered as an involved, committed community member and friend to many – and he should have been there to accept the honour himself.

Sharif Rahman was 44 years old when he was violently assaulted at his place of business, reportedly over an unpaid bill, and later died of his injuries.

Owen Sound Sun Times reported this week that in the Oct 26th Police Services Board meeting, Insp. Dave Bishop said, “…once we are able to share, there will probably be a realization why it’s taking so long and the complexity that is involved. Have patience. There is progress being made, and there are still many, many people working on this on a daily basis.”

We can only hope that shared realization comes soon, and that those responsible for the death of a peaceful man just going about his business are brought to justice. It’s unthinkable that they may have simply run away, faces unseen, and continue to walk among us.

Anyone with information that could assist in the Sharif Rahman homicide investigation should call Owen Sound Police Service at 519-376-1234. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at https://crimestop-gb.org/. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.