Accused in Rexdale mosque killing makes brief court appearance
Posted September 25, 2020 1:35 pm.
Last Updated September 25, 2020 1:45 pm.
The man accused of killing a 58-year-old man outside a Rexdale mosque made a brief court appearance by video on Friday.
Guilherme (William) Von Neutegem has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Mohamed-Aslim Zafis.
Police allege Von Neutegem stabbed Zafis to death on Sept. 12 while the volunteer at the International Muslim Organization ensured worshippers followed COVID-19 rules.
The mosque has called on police to investigate the killing as a hate crime.
Investigators have said they have not ruled out Von Neutegem in the investigation into another stabbing death that occurred in the city five days earlier.
He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 5.
The mosque re-opened its doors just in time for Friday prayers, considered the most important day of reflection in the Muslim faith.
“The hate that visited our doors two weeks ago will never be forgotten. Our hearts are broken by the violence that killed our brother Mohamed-Aslim Zafis, but we know that he would want us to remember that our love for our faith is greater than any man’s hate,” Omar Farouk, President of the IMO, said.
“Anyone who met Brother Mohamed knew that he loved this place with all his heart, and it is in that spirit that we are reopening our beloved mosque,” he added.
Files from 680 NEWS were used in this report
