Police in Hamilton Canada have issued a warrant for the arrest of a 17-year-old boy in connection with a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a Ghanaian woman and injured a man in the downtown area.
In a statement released on Sunday July 13 the Hamilton Police Service named the suspect as Mackale Lavoie. He is wanted for second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder following the incident which happened on Friday July 11 around 5:25 p.m.
Police say Lavoie allegedly confronted a group of three people and opened fire. One person believed to be his target was struck and during the continued shooting 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie from Ghana was fatally hit as she walked nearby.
Emergency crews responded to the scene at King Street East and James Street North. Police described it as chaotic and distressing. The injured man who has not been identified beyond being white was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Sarkodie was found further along King Street with critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to save her.
At a press briefing on Saturday Detective Sergeant, John Obrovac said Ms Sarkodie had only moved to Canada in 2024 and was living and working in the Hamilton area.
“She was an innocent bystander going about her day” he said. “She was spending time with a friend in the downtown area when the shooting happened.”
He added that her brother who lives in Manitoba and her relatives in Ghana have been informed.
Investigators believe the male victim may have been known to the suspect but have not determined a motive. Police said there is no information to suggest that Sarkodie knew the suspect or was targeted.
Mackale Lavoie is still on the run and police have launched a manhunt. The public has been warned not to approach him.
Anyone who sees Lavoie or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Hamilton Police Service immediately.