Edgar Ismael Cando

Edgar Ismael Cando, a 31-year-old Hispanic man described by loved ones as kind and compassionate, was a father who loved his family and friends. His life was cut short on the evening of October 28, 2024, in his community of Portland, Maine.

Around 5:30 p.m. that Monday, Portland police responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Portland and Alder Streets, not far from Dyer’s Variety Store. Officers arrived to find Mr. Cando suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Maine Medical Center, but he did not survive his injuries.

The investigation moved quickly. Approximately three hours after the shooting, police arrested 21-year-old Omar Abd Elkader, also of Portland. He was taken into custody at the Portland Police Department following an interview and was subsequently charged with murder. Abd Elkader was booked into the Cumberland County Jail, where he was ordered held without bail. Police have not commented on a possible motive for the shooting.

Abd Elkader made his first court appearance virtually on October 30, 2024, but did not enter a plea at that time. His attorneys requested more time to review the case. At his arraignment in Cumberland County Superior Court on February 4, 2025, Abd Elkader pleaded not guilty to one count of murder.

As of February 2025, Abd Elkader remains held without bail at the Cumberland County Jail as his case proceeds through the legal system. The Portland Police Department has asked that anyone with information about the incident contact them at (207) 874-8575. Anonymous tips can be left on the department’s Crime Tip line at (207) 874-8584 or by texting the keyword PPDME and a message to 847411.