Hamilton police have apprehended and pressed charges against a teenager in connection with a shooting incident that occurred near a downtown bus stop four months ago, resulting in the tragic death of innocent bystander Belinda Sarkodie. Chief Frank Bergen condemned the senseless act, emphasizing the loss of a young life at the hands of the 17-year-old suspect. The teenager, who turned himself in on Tuesday, faces charges of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, as authorities noted a lack of cooperation from other individuals involved in the incident. Due to legal constraints under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, details about the teen’s identity cannot be disclosed at this time. Detectives also refrained from commenting on the suspect’s whereabouts during the period when a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The shooting, which occurred on July 11 near a bustling intersection in the city, left Sarkodie fatally wounded. The perpetrator, riding a scooter, approached a group of people and opened fire, injuring one individual before unintentionally striking Sarkodie. Chief Bergen highlighted the proximity of the incident to a crowded street festival, underscoring the brazen nature of the attack.
Sarkodie, a Ghanaian national who sought refuge in Canada in 2024 as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, was remembered by her girlfriend, Grace Nasiru, as a dedicated worker at the Hamilton airport. Nasiru expressed relief that the suspect surrendered but questioned the delay and potential assistance provided to him during his fugitive status. She, along with Evelyn Aidoo, a close associate of Sarkodie, urged for accountability and justice in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Detective Sgt. John Obrovac affirmed the diligent efforts of law enforcement in tracking down the suspect, emphasizing a comprehensive approach taken by the police force. He acknowledged the collaborative support received in the investigation, ensuring a thorough pursuit of justice for Sarkodie. Meanwhile, Nasiru lamented the impact of the incident on Sarkodie’s family, particularly her mother in Ghana, and reiterated the need to address the prevalence of gun violence among youth.
Chief Bergen highlighted another incident earlier in the year where an innocent bystander, Harsimrat Randhawa, lost her life due to gun violence in Hamilton. Calling for community vigilance, he urged families to intervene in deterring youth involvement in criminal activities. The series of tragic events underscored the urgency to address youth violence and its devastating consequences on communities.