Restaurant owner named as homicide victim

The owner of an Calder pizza restaurant was identified by friends Tuesday as Edmonton's latest homicide vicitm.

Mohammed Bashir Khan was found injured after police were called to All Hours Steak, Pizza and Donair at 129th Avenue and 119th Street around 4:30 Tuesday morning.

He was taken to hospital where he later died.

Mohammad Maqsood met Bashir Khan in Lebanon 35 years ago.

"Heart-breaking news," he said. "I lost my best friend."

Bashir Khan had five children and five grandchildren, Maqsood said.

About a dozen police officers and detectives were at the scene looking for clues. A two-block area around the restaurant was cordoned off with police tape.

Neighbours said police followed a trail of blood to a nearby residence and led a young man awayin handcuffs about 7 a.m.

An autopsy has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Neighbours tell CBC News that the restaurant is open until 5 a.m., is busy, anddraws what they described as a rough clientele.

The death comes a day aftera 25-year-old man was found dead early Monday on the stairs leading into the river valley near the Hotel Macdonald in downtown Edmonton.