Family of May Long weekend homicide victim release statement, seek information

Just before 8 pm on Sunday, May 21, two men were shot and killed in a parking lot near 130th Avenue and 48th Street SE.

The two victims were Anees Amr, 26, and Colin Reitberger, 23. Both men were from Calgary, and are believed by police of having arrived at the parking lot together.

“Anees was only 26 years old when he was murdered. Anees was innocent, he had no reason to be shot and killed in public, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and has no ties to any drug groups in the city as some media outlets reported based on no evidence – no matter who he was with at the time and no matter who his friends were,” he wrote in the statement.

“When I miss my son, I cannot pick up the phone and call him, I cannot eat dinner with him, celebrate his birthday or any other events no matter how small or significant with him. When I miss my son, the closest I can get to him is visiting his grave.”

Ismail is asking anyone with information on the crime that led to the death of his son to come forward and contact the police.

“I am begging you from the bottom of my heart to please help us bring forth justice on my son’s case. Please do not let those who murdered him or participated in his murder walk the streets freely.”

According to a release from the Calgary Police Service, they believe that Amr was not the target of the shooting, and “do not believe he was involved in any criminal activity at the time of the shooting.”

The Calgary Police Service arrested 20-year-old Christian Oullette weeks after the shooting on Thursday, June 8, and he was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

The vehicle used by the suspect who shot the two men has been recovered by Calgary police, but they are still looking for a second vehicle that had dropped the suspect off at a gas station after the murders, at 70 Freeport Boulevard NE.

The red 2004 to 2006 Dodge Durango SLT with a sunroof and driver (Calgary Police Service)

The vehicle is described as a red 2004 to 2006 Dodge Durango SLT with a sunroof. Police are looking to identify the vehicle and the driver.

According to the release, the suspect then took a taxi to Nose Hill Park, where he spoke with a man who is described as Caucasian with a goatee and driving a yellow Ford Escape. Police are hoping to identify and speak with this man as well.

The yellow Ford Escape and driver being looekd for by the Calgary Police Service (Calgary Police Service)

Anyone with information about the two vehicles or their drivers are asked to contact the Calgary Police Service by calling 403-266-1234, the homicide tip line at 403-428-8877, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or through their website.

Ismail Amr’s full statement can be read below:

My son’s name was Anees Amr. Anees was born on May 27th, 1990. He was my second son, he was the apple of my eye, the love of my life. On May 21st, 2017, Anees was taken from me, his mother and his brother and sister. From the moment that he opened his eyes, I knew he was special. Anees was so kind, caring, loving and supportive to his friends and family. Anees was known for his amazing sense of humour and his charismatic personality, until this day his memory remains cherished by his closest friends and his family.

Anees was only 26 years old when he was murdered. Anees was innocent, he had no reason to be shot and killed in public, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and has no ties to any drug groups in the city as some media outlets reported based on no evidence – no matter who he was with at the time and no matter who his friends were. At the time, our family had lost one son and Anees was aware of this – he would have never put his life at risk for the sake of his family. Unfortunately, he was murdered and now there are so many things that my son will never get to experience. My heart is broken and it will always be, life will never be the same without his light, our family will never be the same. Anees was my best friend, my light, he was the rock in our family. Anees was not only hardworking but he had a heart of gold. Anees would give the shirt off of his back and he was always there for his friends and family. Anees would call his mother every night before bed and tell her that he loved her, he was always there for his siblings. He helped support his younger siblings throughout their college education and was there for them when they needed anything. And now they’ve lost their elder brother and they will never be the same again. When I miss my son, I cannot pick up the phone and call him, I cannot eat dinner with him, celebrate his birthday or any other events no matter how small or significant with him. When I miss my son, the closest I can get to him is visiting his grave.

No parent should have to live to bury their son. I need justice for my son and for our family. If anyone knows anything or holds any further information with respect to those who contributed to my son’s murder, those who broke our family’s heart and forever shattered our lives, I am begging you from the bottom of my heart to please help us bring forth justice on my son’s case. Please do not let those who murdered him or participated in his murder walk the streets freely. Anees was innocent on that day he was murdered, it would be a terrible shame if those who participated in this murder escaped the grasp of justice. Our family will never be the same but if we knew that each participant in his death was brought to justice it would assist us in knowing that Anees’ life was not taken in vain and those responsible for his death are where they are supposed to be. Our family needs some sort of peace, we know it will not bring him back but we cannot sleep at night knowing that people who participated in his death and who have committed such a horrendous act are walking freely and getting away with his murder.

I thank anyone in advance of this for any information no matter how small or how important it may be for taking the time and helping our family to find peace and justice.

Thank you.

Ismail Amr

Family of May Long weekend homicide victim release statement, seek information

See also

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