A 14-year-old boy is in police custody after surrendering in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old teen at a downtown Hamilton mall on Friday evening. Hamilton Police announced on Sunday that the suspect turned himself in, and authorities are no longer seeking any other individuals involved in the incident.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred just after 5 p.m. on April 25, 2026, inside Jackson Square mall, which is connected to TD Coliseum and located across King Street from the city's central transit hub. Police identified the victim as Nabil Askafe, a 16-year-old resident of Hamilton whose family had recently emigrated from Syria. He was found suffering from life-threatening wounds after walking a short distance to a cellphone store following the shooting. He was transported to a hospital but later died.
Police Investigation and Suspect
Initially, police reported that two males were seen fleeing toward James Street after the shooting, but only one was armed. Following the surrender of the 14-year-old suspect, investigators confirmed they have spoken to all individuals involved and are not seeking additional suspects. The suspect is now in custody, facing charges related to the homicide.
Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, 'Our community continues to grieve the loss of a 16-year-old whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. The fact that another young person is alleged to be responsible is deeply troubling.' He emphasized that this is a community call to action, urging residents to address youth violence.
Witness Appeal and Community Impact
Detective Robert Di Ianni noted that surveillance footage showed the victim walking along King Street from Hess Street before the shooting, where a 'small interaction' occurred and continued into the mall. The victim's family has requested privacy as they mourn. Police are still asking witnesses to come forward by contacting investigators at 905-546-3825 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
This tragic event has shaken the Hamilton community, highlighting the urgent need to address violence among youth. Authorities urge anyone with information to assist in the ongoing investigation.
