Prosecutors say a simple argument over barbecue smoke turned into a horrifying murder after a Canadian filmmaker was allegedly killed by his neighbors and found stuffed inside a garbage compactor wrapped in blankets.
The disturbing case is now unfolding in a Toronto courtroom, where 36-year-old Khoa Tran and his wife, 30-year-old Quynh Nhu Nguyen, are on trial over the death of filmmaker Reeyaz Habib.
Habib, 53, was discovered dead inside a garbage compactor on June 8, 2023.
Authorities say his body had been wrapped in blankets and towels, alongside chilling handwritten notes left near the scene.
One note allegedly read: “Can someone lift this into the trash? Very heavy.”
Another note reportedly warned: “Please do not open, lots of sharp metal and glass inside from renovation.”
Prosecutors now claim the killing may have started over an ordinary neighbor dispute involving a barbecue grill.
According to opening statements, Habib had become frustrated with Tran frequently grilling on his condo balcony because smoke would reportedly drift into his apartment upstairs.
Court documents say the two men eventually reached an agreement where Tran would text Habib before using the grill so Habib could shut his windows.
But prosecutors allege tensions continued escalating.
On May 15, 2023, Habib reportedly received one warning text before another exchange several days later ended with him leaving “a little bit angry” and slamming a door.
Then, just weeks later, multiple neighbors reported hearing terrifying screams echoing through the condo building.
One condo board member testified he woke up to what he described as a “distressing yell” during the night of June 6 but went back to sleep after failing to determine where it came from.
The couple’s former roommate also testified that she heard screams that same night.
According to her testimony, Nguyen allegedly brushed off the sounds by suggesting Habib was filming something.
The roommate further claimed Nguyen later told her not to speak to police and instructed her to say she had been in the bedroom with the couple if questioned by investigators.
Meanwhile, Habib’s family and friends became worried after he suddenly stopped responding to texts and missed a scheduled tennis match.
Another neighbor later testified that she allegedly saw Tran leaving Habib’s condo and locking the door shortly before the filmmaker’s body was discovered.
After police entered Habib’s apartment, family members reportedly noticed strange details inside.
His nephew testified the kitchen appeared unusually spotless, while windows had allegedly been covered with long white drapes that hadn’t been there before.
Another neighbor also testified that Tran sent him a suspicious text after police began investigating.
“You don’t think the police think I did it, do you?” the message allegedly read.
The neighbor told the court the comment immediately stood out as strange.
An autopsy was later performed, but officials reportedly could not determine Habib’s exact cause of death because of the condition his body was found in.
Habib was a filmmaker and writer known for projects including Samir, Fat Lady Sriracha, Wide Right, and Humidor.
Tran is currently charged with second-degree murder, while Nguyen faces charges as an accessory.
The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks.
I love diversity!!!
Canada is full of trash. All these trashy immigrants who cant get along.