Hamilton police continue to investigate Stoney Creek double homicide

Hamilton police’s Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate a shooting on the Stoney Creek mountain that left two teenage boys dead.

On Wednesday at around 2:25 a.m., officers say they responded to reports of gunshots at Tabby Town Co-op Housing at 191 Candlewood Dr., near Rymal Road East and Upper Centennial Parkway.

Police arrived at the scene and found the two boys suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to hospital, where they died due to their injuries.

Police have since identified the two victims as 18-year-old Abdulmalek Shibli and 16-year-old Afef Binafif from Hamilton.

While police have yet to identify the suspect, a neighbour says it’s “no secret” to those living in the complex.

On Wednesday, officers blocked off a significant portion of the co-op housing complex while they investigated.

As of Thursday morning, two police vehicles were parked at the front and back of Unit 32 in the complex.

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Investigators believe the shooting was a retaliation for an earlier disturbance involving bear spray at a home in the city’s east end, near Barton St. East and Centennial Pkwy. North.

Detectives say at least six individuals showed up to the home at 191 Candlewood Dr., where an exchange of gunfire took place.

“We do know that there was some form of an exchange—whether one was a BB gun or a real gun, we’re still trying to determine those circumstances,” Det. Sgt. Mike Ebert says.

While the investigation continues, police believe this was a targeted incident and say there is no threat to public safety.

Investigators urge anyone who may have been involved to seek legal counsel and contact the police to turn themselves in.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact investigators at 905-546-3825.

For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

READ MORE: Police ID two teenage boys killed in Stoney Creek shooting