Local agencies sound alarm after two teen killings in downtown Hamilton within a week

Two murdered teenagers in just one week have local agencies and officials sounding the alarm Friday night.

The shooting happened at 191 Main St. West, which is a city housing building.

Police say the shooting happened inside a unit in the building and they are now searching for two suspects.

People who live here say this is just another example of the lack of security and safety in the building.

“Devastated,” said Elizabeth Pfisterer, the director of youth services at The Hub. “That we’re less than a week apart that we see two extremely violent incidents and passing’s of young people, that are members of the Hamilton community.”

After the killings of two teens in the downtown core, less than a week apart, local officials and agencies say it’s time to get serious about youth violence, and tragic endings.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton police identify 19-year-old killed in shooting, seek two suspects

“Children of that age are not equipped to manage conflict, not equipped to handle difficult emotions as adults are,” said Hamilton Centre MPP Robin Lennox, “and, they should never have a weapon in their hands.”

While Hamilton police continue to search for the suspects tied to Thursday’s shooting, which claimed the life of 19-year-old Talon Williams-Parkin, a 14-year-old faces a second degree murder charge following the killing of 16-year-old Nabil Askafe.

Last summer, a 17-year-old was also charged with murder after 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie was shot and killed at a King Street bus stop.
In 2024, right across the street, 19-year-old Alexander Circiumaru was gunned down.

Local advocates are sounding the alarm on this disturbing trend.

They say today’s young people are in need of more education, resources and positive influences.

Without support, some turn to weapons and the drug trade.

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

“Anytime you can surround youth with caring adults, it really increases their outcomes for healthy adjustments into adulthood,” said Julie Conway with Living Rock Ministries. “Whether it’s teachers, clergy men, or youth centres., community centres, this is imperative for youth.”

Lennox, who is also a doctor, says wait times to see a mental health professional are long, and families struggle to find help.

“Instead of building these mental health supports and trying to get children to access them, what we really need, in my opinion, is to see mental health professionals in every one of our schools,” said Lennox.

Pfisterer is calling for 24/7 services for those seeking help, or for preventative measures.

“Operating beyond the 9 to 5 model is absolutely critical,” said Pfisterer. “These incidents are happening at all hours of the day, people are dealing with crises at all hours of the day. Crisis does not stop at 5 p.m.”

The Hub itself, on Rebecca Street between Hughson and James, does offer 24 hour services for violent prevention and crisis situations.

WATCH MORE: Downtown Hamilton shooting leaves 19-year-old man dead: police