Homicide victim was awaiting sentencing for stabbing

Edmonton's first homicide victim of 2011 was supposed to be in courtMonday to be sentenced on a charge of assault with a weapon, CBC News has learned.

Three hours after Mohamud Jama rang in the New Year, he was shot and killed inthe Papyrus Lounge, a north downtown bar.

Little is known about the 23-year-old, other than he was married and his wife is expecting.

According to police sources, Jama stabbed another man six times in the chest and abdomen in October 2007. He then stuck the knife in the man's back twice as he tried to run away.

The victim is a known drug dealer, sources said.

Jama was originally charged with aggravated assault, butpleaded guilty to the lesser charge.

Jama was free on bail.

Jama's lawyer, George Isshak,was shocked when CBC News informed him of his client's death. Isshak declined comment on the assault conviction.

No arrests have been made in Jama's death.