Five charged with 1st-degree murder of teen shot in Stoney Creek last year

Hamilton police have charged five men with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of a 16-year-old boy just over a year ago.

Around 4:20 a.m. on March 6, 2025, officers responded to a crash in the area of Fruitland Road and Highway 8 in Stoney Creek.

Upon arriving on scene, detectives discovered a white Kia sedan and a red Acura SUV were involved in a crash east of the intersection. It is believed that these vehicles were stolen.

The driver of the Acura was determined by investigators to be Faizaan Awan of York Region, who died in hospital from gunshot wounds.

“Awan was just 16 years old. He was a son, a young person with a future ahead of him. His life was taken in an act of violence that has had a devastating impact on his family and our community,” said Det. Staff Sgt. Robert Di Ianni with Hamilton police.

Last month, police held a media conference asking for anyone to share information, and investigators say the appeal paid off.

“Today I can confirm that five search warrants at five addresses were executed, and five individuals arrested and charged with first-degree murder – as well as attempted murder in relation to the two other passengers in Faizaan’s vehicle,” said Det. Staff Sgt. Di Ianni.

Detectives say there were two other people in the car with Awan at the time of the shooting. One of them was also shot and treated for their injuries. The five accused are also charged with the attempted murder of these two individuals.

WATCH MORE: Police believe Stoney Creek shooting that killed 16-year-old was targeted

Hamilton police say the chase started at 928 Queenston Rd. and ended on Fruitland Road, about five kilometres away, after several shots were fired between the vehicles.

In addressing the specifics of why Awan was at the Queenston Road location where the chase began, authorities noted that Provincial Towing was the victim of an arson a few days prior.

Investigators believe the group was there to protect the property, and Awan was chased from that location to Fruitland Road.

Police say 22-year-old Ameer Nabout and his 20-year-old brother Ameen’s family own Provincial Towing, which is now closed.

Another man involved named Sari “Nawabit is married into the Nabout family. And both Mohammad Aburas and Rami Qasem were employees of Provincial Towing and Hamilton Collision,” said Det. Staff Sgt. Di Ianni.

The search warrants conducted in Hamilton and Ottawa resulted in the arrests of five men:

• Ameer Nabout, 22, of Hamilton
• Ameen Nabout, 20, of Hamilton
• Rami Qasem, 42, of Hamilton
• Sari Nawabit, 36, of Hamilton
• Mohammad Aburas, 26, of Ottawa

Police believe this to be a targeted attack and say there are additional people involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lisa Chambers at 905-546-3843.

Information can also be provided anonymously on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton police appeal for info on murder of teen in Stoney Creek last March