Teen wanted in Friday fatal downtown Hamilton shooting

Hamilton police say the alleged suspect of a Friday afternoon downtown shooting that killed a woman from Ghana is wanted and at large.

The suspect has been identified as Mackale Lavoie, age seventeen.

Police say that at approximately 5:25 p.m. Lavoie encountered a group of three individuals in the area of King Street East and James Street North who appear to have been the intended targets.

The suspect opened fire, striking one of the individuals. As he continued to shoot at a second person, an innocent bystander—26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie—was fatally struck.

READ MORE: Woman killed in Friday downtown Hamilton shooting was innocent bystander

Lavoie is wanted for second degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Sarkodie had immigrated to Canada in 2024, and was living and working in Hamilton. At the time of the shooting, she was spending time with a friend in the downtown core, said Det. Sgt. John Obrovac.

Members of the public are urged not to approach Lavoie.

Anyone who sees Lavoie or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Hamilton police immediately at 905-546-4925 or call 9-1-1.

The investigation remains ongoing.