Police issue urgent alert in Niagara Falls homicide
Niagara Regional Police have identified two people now wanted on second-degree murder charges after a man was fatally shot in Niagara Falls late last week. Investigators are appealing for the public’s help to locate Maroof Bangi, 23, and Josta Grace MacNeal, 30, in connection with the death of Mitchell Snoddon, 35, of Niagara Falls.
The shooting occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on Thursday at a residence on Thorold Stone Road near Dorchester Road. According to police, the incident was targeted. Officers allege two suspects went to the home, fired a handgun, and fled. The victim was taken to hospital and later died.
Public safety advisory and vehicle information
Police emphasize that no firearm linked to the case has been recovered. As a result, the two individuals are considered a significant risk to the public. As the service cautioned,
the suspects are "armed and dangerous."Members of the public are urged not to engage with either person and to call 911 immediately if seen.
Detectives believe the pair may be travelling in a black 2021 Mazda CX-5 with Ontario licence plate DDEC 744. Earlier in the investigation, officers released surveillance images and said the suspects left the area in a white Nissan Rogue from model years 2022 to 2026. That vehicle has since been recovered by police, who thanked residents for their assistance.
What investigators are asking from residents
- Do not approach the suspects; call 911 if you spot them or the listed vehicle.
- Share any recent surveillance or dashcam footage from the Thorold Stone Road and Dorchester Road area around Thursday evening.
- Provide tips directly to the Homicide Unit at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009134, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Investigators with the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Homicide Unit continue to lead the case. The force says community assistance remains important as officers work to track movements linked to the suspects and any vehicles used to leave the scene.
Timeline and current status
The fatal shooting triggered a search that initially focused on a white Nissan Rogue seen leaving the neighbourhood. With that SUV now secured, the investigative focus has turned to locating a black Mazda CX-5 believed to be connected to the two people police have named as suspects. Authorities have not located the handgun allegedly used in the incident.
| Suspect | Age | Alleged offence | Vehicle of interest | Licence plate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maroof Bangi | 23 | Second-degree murder | 2021 Mazda CX-5 (black) | DDEC 744 |
| Josta Grace MacNeal | 30 | Second-degree murder | 2021 Mazda CX-5 (black) | DDEC 744 |
Local impact and how to help safely
The location of the shooting—an arterial stretch of Thorold Stone Road near Dorchester Road—sits within a busy residential and commercial corridor in Niagara Falls. Police presence in and around the neighbourhood is expected to remain visible as officers canvass for witnesses and video. Residents can support the investigation by reviewing home security systems for activity around the time of the shooting and by providing any observations from that evening. Police stress that the priority is safety: do not attempt to follow, detain or confront any individuals believed to be involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009134. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. In an emergency or immediate sighting, dial 911.
