Khalid Mohamed Acquitted of Second-Degree Murder After Claiming Self-Defence

THUNDER BAY – CRIME REPORTS – Khalid Mohamed, 28, has been found not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Steven Burns following a detailed Superior Court trial presided over by Regional Senior Justice W.D. Newton.

Mohamed admitted to stabbing Burns outside the Gateway Casino in Thunder Bay on October 17, 2021. However, the court determined he acted in self-defence after a violent robbery attempt involving Burns and two accomplices.

Drug-Related Background

Evidence showed Mohamed, a Toronto resident, was operating a drug operation out of an apartment on South Cumberland Street. He described the street-level trafficking environment in Thunder Bay as “extreme” and had returned for a second stint with a significant supply of cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycontin.

On the day of the incident, Mohamed was robbed by Burns and two other men, all armed. They stole drugs, cash, and jewelry of significant sentimental and financial value.

Confrontation and Stabbing

Surveillance footage captured Mohamed chasing Burns from the scene. Witnesses testified to a struggle between Mohamed and Burns after Burns attempted to flee. Mohamed testified that Burns tried to reach for a knife during their altercation, prompting him to stab Burns in fear for his own life.

Despite the pursuit, the court found that Mohamed’s fear for his safety was credible and that he acted reasonably in the heat of the confrontation. Mohamed was visibly emotional upon learning that Burns had died, expressing shock during his booking.

Court’s Analysis

Justice Newton noted that while Mohamed’s decision to chase Burns could be questioned, the critical issue was whether Mohamed’s actions at the moment of the stabbing were reasonable under the threat he perceived. The court concluded that Mohamed’s response to the imminent threat was justified under Canadian self-defence law.

The court also emphasized that Mohamed’s involvement in drug trafficking did not negate his right to defend himself against a life-threatening attack.

Key Evidence

• DNA analysis confirmed Mohamed’s blood on the weapon but not Burns’, a result forensic experts attributed to blood contamination.

• Witness testimony supported Mohamed’s account that Burns was attempting to regain control of the knife.

• Surveillance footage corroborated the chaotic pursuit and struggle.