Police investigate homicide after victim “ambushed” outside downtown Hamilton shelter

“Our victim was basically shelled or ambushed,” the detective said in a media update at the scene. “It was a quick attack, with the victim having no ability to protect himself.”

A witness told CBCHamilton that he was sitting on a bench in front of the shelter when he heard a scream.

“The victim instantly staggered,” said the man, who would only identify as RJ

The witness said he ran across the road and grabbed the victim as she slumped against a window.

“He was in bad shape,” said RJ, adding that the victim was bleeding profusely. “It is the saddest thing I have ever seen.”

Police are looking for Jheidohn Shakeed Serieaux and say he is wanted for first degree murder.

The 23-year-old has no fixed address, according to investigators. Police have not found a weapon and say Serieaux is considered armed. They warn the public not to approach him.

Dave Thompson, a Hamilton paramedic superintendent, said emergency teams had been called to the area after reports of an assault.

Paramedics found a 31-year-old man suffering from “multiple penetrating trauma,” he added.

The victim was without vital signs and Thompson said paramedics took him to hospital while trying to resuscitate him.

Police said the victim died of his injuries at Hamilton General Hospital at around 12:20 p.m. His death marks the 12th homicide in Hamilton since the start of the year.

Bereziuk said he spoke with the mother of the victim who is “absolutely distraught”.

The victim was staying at the shelter and officials are cooperating with the police, Bereziuk said. He said the two men were known to the police.

Mission services did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Police tape was wrapped around a section of James Street on Sunday afternoon, with a section of Barton also blocked off. Local traffic was diverted from the area for some time.

Witness saw 2 men fighting, calls violence unusual

Investigators first said the attack followed a confrontation in the parking lot.

Stacey Edworthyworks at the Sunny Corner Bar opposite the crime scene.

She said staff noticed two men fighting on Barton around noon.

“They were kicking and punching and screaming at each other,” she said.

When the fight broke, one man walked over to James and the other Barton, according to Edworthy.

Although she could not say for sure whether either of the men was involved in the homicide, “within 15 to 20 minutes there were police cars, ambulances and fire trucks here. “.

Edworthy said it was not uncommon for a lot of people to hang around the corner, “but nobody’s really causing a problem.”

“It’s just unusual that there is something super violent,” she added.

“I think it’s really sad. I think a lot of people living at the mission have enough problems… and it’s probably quite traumatic.”

Bereziuk said police had already spoken to several witnesses and thanked those who ran to help the victim after the knife attack.

“The victim was not alone,” he said. “A lot of people helped out and did their best.”

The homicide is Hamilton’s second this weekend.