The 2025 Hamilton Homicide Victim List is available here

Hamilton Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened early evening on April17th near Upper James and Mohawk.

Police said a 21-year-old Harsimrat Randhawa, from India, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. She was taken to the hospital but was later pronounced dead. Harsimrat was studying occupational physiotherapy at Mohawk College. She had just stepped off a city bus, and was waiting to cross the street when she was shot.

Investigators said that through collected video, they have determined that the passenger of a black Mercedes SUV fired at the occupants of a white sedan. Shortly after the shooting, the white sedan fled northbound on Upper James, and the Mercedes travelled westbound on South Bend. 

Shots also entered the rear window of a residence on Allenby Avenue where the occupants were watching television a few feet away. Fortunately, no one was injured in the home.

Update: Hamilton Police have recovered a white Hyundai Elantra and black Mercedes SUV believed to be involved in the shooting death of Harsimrat Randhawa.

With help from the Toronto Police Service, a white Hyundai Elantra was located on April 20 in a residential neighborhood in northwest Toronto. The car was towed to Hamilton, where it is now undergoing forensic analysis.

The following day, April 21, Hamilton Police carried out a search warrant at a home in central Hamilton and found a black Mercedes SUV. Forensic teams are currently examining the vehicle for potential evidence.

Investigators have identified a smaller group of individuals linked to both vehicles. They are urging anyone connected to the April 17 incident to speak with a lawyer and surrender to Hamilton Police.

Update: On August 5, 2025, Hamilton Police Service, with assistance from Niagara Regional Police, arrested 32-year-old Jerdaine Foster in Niagara Falls. Foster appeared in court on August 6 and has been charged with the following offences:

• First Degree Murder of Harsimrat Randhawa
• Attempted Murder ×3

Police announced on August 8th that they had arrested a second person who was involved in the events leading up to the shooting death of Harsimrat. On August 7th, members of the Hamilton Police Service located and arrested 26-year-old Obiesea Okafor in North York. He was transported back to Hamilton and has now been charged with:

• Attempted Murder (3 counts)

This investigation is ongoing, and detectives continue to relentlessly pursue all leads to identify and arrest those involved in this murder. Investigators believe that at least seven individuals were involved in the violent altercation that led to Harsimrat’s death. The investigation remains active and ongoing as police continue to identify, locate, and arrest those responsible.

Update: On September 8th, with the assistance of the Toronto Police Service, 29-year-old Jaiyden Jones of no fixed address was arrested without incident in Toronto. He appeared in court later that day and has been charged with:

• First Degree Murder of Harsimrat Randhawa
• Attempted Murder (3 counts)

This investigation is ongoing, and detectives continue to relentlessly pursue all leads to identify and arrest those involved in this murder.

If you have any information that you believe could assist police with this investigation, you are asked to contact Detective Alex Buck by calling 905-546-4123.