Calgary stabbing death ruled a homicide

Through the use of DNA, Calgary police have reclassified the stabbing death of a Calgary man last spring as a homicide.

Aref Selman Nassereddine, 64, was found by family members at his residence in the 1600 block of 42nd Street S.W. on March 17.

He died as a result of stab wounds, and police said that friends and family members provided information to investigators that led them to question the manner of his death.

Until now, Nassereddine's death was considered suspicious.

Police said recent lab results identifying DNA at the crime scene was instrumental in determining the man was killed.

Officers believe the motive was robbery.

"It looks more like a crime of opportunity," said Calgary police acting Insp. Doug Andrus.

Investigators said a keychain imprinted with an image of an Arab-looking man standing next to a horse was stolen from the home and could provide clues to what happened.

"We feel if we find this keychain, it'll provide us with information as to his whereabouts on the day of his death and lead to the identity of those who had contact with him at the time of his death," Andrus said.

Police believe more than one person was involved in Nassereddine's death, and said witnesses described two men in the backyard of his residence on the morning of his death.

One man is described as Caucasian, 25 years old, six feet to six feet, four inches tall, with a slim build and short, brown hair. He was wearing a green baseball hat, a grey bomber-style jacket, blue jeans and work boots.

The second man is described as being in his late 20s, with tanned skin. Police said he was five feet, six inches tall, with short, dark-brown hair, wearing brown sunglasses, blue jeans and work boots.

Nassereddine was in downtown Calgary that morning and possibly met his attackers, police said.

He might have been followed home, but it's also possible that "these individuals were invited back and accompanied him to his residence," said Andrus.

Anyone with information about Nassereddine's death or the two men being sought is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers.