Fatal shooting in Hamilton near Jackson Square mall kills one woman, injures one man

A 26-year-old woman was killed and a man was sent to hospital following a shooting in Hamilton’s downtown core Friday evening.

Hamilton police say just before 5:30 p.m. they received reports of gunshots in the area of King Street West between James Street North and MacNab Street.

Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen told CHCH News that a double shooting took place near Jackson Square mall.

Officers say 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie was pronounced dead at the scene, and a man was transported to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators say at least one suspect fled the area and is at large.

Detectives are looking for a white man with a medium build and brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue shorts, dark socks and shoes, a dark-coloured medical mask, and a black t-shirt with a white design on the front and a large “V” on the back.

Officers closed the roads around King Street West, James Street North and MacNab Street to pedestrians and drivers for several hours. They have since been reopened.

Police say the suspect may have known the man who was injured and targeted him, but they have not determined a motive for the attack yet.

Detectives say there is no known connection between Sarkodie and the other victim.

They also say there is no information to suggest that the suspect and Sarkodie knew each other, or that she was targeted.

Anyone with information or video of the shooting is asked to contact Det. Michael Ebert of the homicide unit at 905-546-4167.

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