17-year-old suspect in Belinda Sarkodie shooting case turned himself in, say Hamilton police

Hamilton police have announced that a 17-year-old suspect in a deadly daytime shooting that took place outside Jackson Square in July has turned himself in.

The shooting injured one person, and claimed the life of 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie.

Sarkodie immigrated to Canada from Ghana 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.

Investigators say the shooting began around 5:25 p.m. July 11, when a male suspect opened fire at a group of three people in the area of King Street East and James Street North. Police believe this group of people were the intended targets of the shooter.

One person was struck by the gunshots and injured. As the suspect continued to shoot at a second person, Sarkodie was shot and killed.

Days later, police determined the suspect was a 17-year-old male. He is wanted for second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

This is a developing story. More to come. 

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