Police identify two wanted in fatal shooting
The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has named two suspects in connection with a fatal shooting in Niagara Falls and is asking the public to help locate them and a vehicle believed to be involved. Detectives with the Homicide Unit say 23-year-old Maroof Bangi and 30-year-old Josta Grace Macneal are wanted on charges of second-degree murder.
Investigators believe the pair may be travelling in a black 2021 Mazda CX‑5 with Ontario licence plate DDEC 744. Police emphasize that no firearm has been recovered and, as a result, the suspects are considered armed and dangerous. The white Nissan Rogue previously sought by officers has been recovered.
“If either party is observed, please do not approach them and call 911.”
What police are asking from residents
NRPS urges anyone who sees Bangi, Macneal or the Mazda to maintain distance, avoid any confrontation, and immediately contact authorities. Tips about their whereabouts can be directed to the Homicide Unit at 905‑688‑4111, option 3, extension 1009134. For emergencies or real-time sightings, call 911 first.
- Do not approach the suspects or the vehicle.
- Provide location, direction of travel, and a description if safe to do so.
- Share any dashcam or security footage that may capture the Mazda CX‑5 (DDEC 744).
Suspects and vehicle details
Police have circulated the following identifiers to assist the public and partner agencies:
| Person/Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Maroof Bangi |
| Age | 23 |
| Charge | Second-degree murder |
| Name | Josta Grace Macneal |
| Age | 30 |
| Charge | Second-degree murder |
| Vehicle sought | Black 2021 Mazda CX‑5 (Ontario plate DDEC 744) |
| Other vehicle | White Nissan Rogue — recovered |
How to share information safely
Alongside direct tips to NRPS, residents can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1‑800‑222‑8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers notes it offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest. The Homicide Unit has thanked the community for assistance received so far and continues to encourage vigilance as the investigation proceeds.
This alert underscores a broader public safety message in Niagara Falls: when police warn that suspects may be armed, the safest contribution for bystanders is rapid reporting and careful observation rather than intervention. That includes refraining from following a vehicle of interest, limiting cellphone use while driving, and preserving any relevant footage from home security systems for investigators.
What this means for Niagara Falls
As detectives work to locate the suspects in the Niagara Falls case, residents may notice continued police activity, including targeted patrols and follow-up canvassing for video. Officers commonly rely on community-sourced evidence—dashcams, doorbell cameras and timely calls—to piece together movements of vehicles and people in the hours before and after major incidents. Quick reporting about the Mazda CX‑5 (DDEC 744) could be pivotal to advancing the case.
Anyone with information that can help identify the current location of Maroof Bangi or Josta Grace Macneal is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 905‑688‑4111, option 3, extension 1009134, or call 911 for urgent sightings. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 1‑800‑222‑8477.
