The 2025 Hamilton Homicide Victim List is available here
Hamilton Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred on the evening of Friday, July 11, 2025. The incident happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. on King Street between James Street and MacNab Street in the downtown core.
A woman was found dead at the scene, while a man suffering from a gunshot wound was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police stated that as of Friday evening, the suspect had fled before police arrived and had not yet been located. Officers remain at the scene in large numbers as they work to gather evidence and piece together what led to the shooting. Members of the Emergency Response Unit are also actively clearing Jackson Square as part of the ongoing investigation.
Update: At this time, investigators believe the male victim may have been the intended target, and that the deceased victim Belinda Sarkodie, 26, was an innocent bystander tragically caught in the crossfire.
Police said there is no known connection between Belinda and the suspect, nor between Belinda and the male victim. Hamilton Police are releasing the following description of the suspect:
- Wearing a dark, medical-style mask
- White male
- Medium build
- Brown hair
- Wearing a black t-shirt with a white design on the front and a large red letter “V” on the back
- Blue shorts, dark socks, and dark shoes
Police are asking anyone who was in the area between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and may have seen anything or have relevant information to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in surveillance video, dash cam footage, or eyewitness reports. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Michael Ebert of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-4167.
Update: Following the investigation, Hamilton police have identified the male suspect as a 17-year-old Male. A warrant has been issued for the following charges:
- Second Degree Murder
- Attempted Murder x2
Update November 19th 2025
The 17-year-old suspect has turned himself in to Hamilton Police. He has been arrested and faces charges of Attempted Murder x 2 and Second-Degree Murder in connection with the homicide. His name cannot be released as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.