14-year-old shooting suspect now in custody

Hamilton Police said late Sunday they have arrested the 14-year-old male suspected in Friday’s shooting death of 16-year old Nabil Askafe.

“Following an extensive search involving multiple Hamilton Police units,” the youth, who can no longer be named, turned himself in to police on Sunday, says the HPS press release. Because he is a suspected young offender, Hamilton Police received special judicial permission to use the accused’s name and photo during the search over the weekend.

Just after 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24, police responded to a report of shots fired inside Jackson Square Mall. When emergency services arrived, they found Askafe critically injured with gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital but did not survive.

“Our community continues to grieve the loss of a 16-year-old whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence,” said Police Chief Frank Bergen in the Sunday statement. “The fact that another young person is alleged to be responsible is deeply troubling. This is not just a police matter – it is a community call to action. We should all be concerned when violence becomes an option for youth instead of resolution and hope.”

Police also say they have spoken to all the individuals involved in Friday’s altercation at the mall and are not looking for any more suspects. However, investigators continue to ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Drumm at 905-546-3825.