Canadian police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect in connection with a brazen shooting that claimed the life of a Ghanaian woman and injured a man in downtown Hamilton.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Hamilton Police Service identified the suspect as Mackale Lavoie. He is wanted for second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in relation to the incident, which occurred on Friday, July 11, at approximately 5:25 p.m.
According to police, Lavoie allegedly encountered a group of three individuals in the city’s downtown area and opened fire, striking one of his intended targets. During the continued gunfire, 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie, a bystander from Ghana, was fatally shot.
“The male suspect opened fire, striking one of the individuals,” the statement said. “As he continued to shoot at a second person, an innocent bystander—26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie—was fatally struck.”
Emergency services responded to the scene at the intersection of King Street East and James Street North, which police described as “chaotic and distressing.” One male victim, identified only as a white man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while Sarkodie was found further west along King Street with critical gunshot wounds.
“Despite life-saving efforts, she was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene,” police confirmed.
At a press briefing on Saturday, Detective Sergeant John Obrovac revealed that Ms Sarkodie had only recently moved to Canada from Ghana in 2024 and was living and working in the Hamilton area.
“Belinda was an innocent bystander, simply going about her day,” he said. “At the time of the incident, she was spending time with a friend in the downtown core.”
Det. Sgt. Obrovac stated that Sarkodie’s brother, who lives in Manitoba, has been informed, and that her next-of-kin in Ghana have also been notified of her death.
Investigators believe the male victim was known to the suspect, although a motive has not yet been established.
“At this time, we believe the suspect may have known the male victim and targeted him,” Obrovac said. “There is no information to suggest that the suspect and Belinda Sarkodie were known to each other, or that she was targeted.”
Lavoie, who remains at large, is now the subject of a police manhunt.
“Members of the public are urged not to approach him,” the Hamilton Police Service warned. “If you see Mackale Lavoie or know of his whereabouts, please contact Hamilton Police Service immediately.”
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