A recent immigrant from Afghanistan, killed in a double-shooting in Scarborough, had links to the U.S. military and police are now calling the incident a targeted murder.

Abdul Monir was shot dead in a Scarborough pizza shop where he worked in the Markham and Lawrence area on Sunday night.

Before leaving Afghanistan, Monir worked with detainees captured by the American army during the war.

He was considered a friend of American troops and was recognized for his effort in the fight for a free Afghanistan.

“It’s just so devastating to have this happen to him,” said cousin Hameed Ahmad.

He arrived in Canada last spring and had only worked at the shop for two weeks. He had hoped to be able to bring his family, including two young children, here soon.

“Like every other immigrant that’s come to Canada, he’s left everything behind,” said another cousin Jaweed Rasuli.

Police have only a vague suspect description. Investigators are looking for a man in his 30s with dark skin and a thin build wearing a blue windbreaker and black baseball cap. He was last seen getting into a light-coloured Toyota or Honda.

The owner of the shop was also wounded in the shooting.

Police say security camera video shows several potential witnesses but nobody has come forward to help.

“We are urging these people (to come forward),” said Const. David Hopkinson. “We need their help.”