Three suspects have been detained in connection with what the police described as a "targeted killing" in Bowmanville, Ontario last year that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and her husband.

During a press conference on Friday morning, the police said that Aram Kamel, 28 years old, and his wife Rifad Al-Zubaidi, 26 years old, were "shot several times at close range" in their home in Bowmanville in the early hours of February 4, 2023.

Sergeant Brad Corner told reporters during Friday's update that their bodies were discovered on the main floor of the residence more than 12 hours after officers were called to a home on Crombie Road to conduct a wellness check that afternoon.

Corner pointed out that Al-Zubaidi was six months pregnant when she was shot dead.

He added: "Based on the evidence we have gathered, we believe this was a targeted killing and not a robbery."

He added: “Based on the evidence we have gathered, we believe this was a targeted killing and not a robbery."

The police say the other suspects "arranged" to kill the couple.

The police clarified that three suspects, namely Elia Abu, 22 years old, Abinasser Aden, 22 years old, and Emmanuel Esbon, 21 years old, were charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the killings.

The police confirmed that the three suspects were arrested this week and detained for bail hearings, where they were remanded in custody.

Corner noted that officers collected hundreds of hours of surveillance camera footage as part of the investigation.