New look for Niagara Falls murder suspects, possibly in Atlantic Canada

Josta MacNeal, 30, and Maroof Bangi, 23, are facing second-degree murder charges in Niagara Falls, Ont. and they could be travelling in Atlantic Canada as they continue to run to evade police. Photo by NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE /CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentPolice are still looking for two people accused of murdering a Niagara Falls man and are asking the public for help.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentCanada-wide warrants were issued for 23-year-old Maroof Bangi and 30-year-old Josta Grace MacNeal, who are on the run and possibly in Atlantic Canada, on July 23.Article contentArticle contentMacNeal and Bangi are charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Mitchell Snodden, 35, on July 16 in Niagara Falls.Article contentSince then, the two murder suspects have been on the run to evade police, driving and discarding at least three vehicles since then – the last on July 22 in Saint Eustache, Que., which is about 20 kilometres north-west of Montreal.Article content A screenshot of video released by Niagara Regional Police on July 29 shows murder suspects Josta MacNeal and Maroof Bangi in a retail store, caught on the security cameras. Photo by NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE /SUPPLIEDArticle contentSECURITY CAM FOOTAGEArticle contentIn their most recent update, Niagara Regional Police released security camera footage from inside a retail store on July 29, to show how Bangi and MacNeal may be altering their appearance.Article contentThe location of the footage is not known.Article contentIt shows the man believed to be Bangi appearing to have shorter hair and a shorter beard than the photo police release in July.Article contentThe woman believed to be MacNeal has her hair hidden under a scarf tied into a knot at the front her head, which is completely covered so no hair is showing.Article contentBoth appear to be wearing clothing that is different from what police photos showed them wearing.Article contentArticle contentThe Cape Breton Post asked the Niagara Regional Police if there have been any tips or sightings reported from Cape Breton or other places in Nova Scotia.Article contentArticle contentConstable Jessica Martin said they are unable to answer because it is an ongoing investigation.Article content A screenshot of video released by Niagara Regional Police on July 29 shows murder suspects Josta MacNeal and Maroof Bangi in a retail store, caught on the security cameras. The video shows how the two are altering their appearance. Photo by NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE /SUPPLIEDArticle contentTARGETED ATTACKArticle contentPolice also aren’t able to speak about the relationship between Snodden, the victim, and the accused murderers.Article contentHowever, Martin did confirm it wasn’t a random act of violence.Article content“The murder was targeted,” Martin said in an email.Article contentA GoFundMe campaign has been set up in Snodden’s memory to raise money for his three daughters.Article contentStarted by Dianna Yates of St. Catherine’s, Ont., almost $9,000 of the $10,000 fundraising goal had been raised by publication time.Article content“To know him was to love him,” Yates wrote on the GoFundMe page. “He was a deeply devoted father, a cherished son, a protective brother, a fun-loving uncle, and a fiercely loyal friend.Article content“Mitch saw the world through the eyes of an artist. As a talented tattoo artist and passionate creator, he spent his life turning blank canvases into permanent masterpieces and beautiful memories. Whether he was fly-on-the-wall painting, battling it out on the paintball field, or skating hard during a hockey game, he brought an unmatched energy and love for adventure to everything he did.”