Belinda Sarkodie dies in fatal Hamilton shooting

Belinda Sarkodie dies in fatal Hamilton shooting
Fatal Hamilton shooting death of Belinda Sarkodie

Police have issued a statement identifying the individual sought in a sudden shooting incident that claimed the life of one woman and wounded a man downtown last week.

A warrant for arrest has been authorized for 17-year-old Mackale Lavoie, who faces charges of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

According to law enforcement, Lavoie initiated the violence at around 5:25 p.m. on July 11 when he encountered a group of three people in the city’s core, whom he allegedly targeted.

“The suspect fired his weapon, injuring one of the targeted individuals,” authorities reported. “As he continued to aim at another person, an unrelated individual—Belinda Sarkodie, a 26-year-old woman—was fatally struck by a bullet.”

The initial scene on King Street East and James Street North was described as “highly disordered and deeply upsetting” by officers.

Further reports indicate that one white male was transported to a medical facility with minor gunshot injuries. The second victim, Belinda Sarkodie, was found nearby with critical injuries.

“Despite extensive medical intervention, she was unfortunately pronounced dead at the location,” police confirmed.

During a public briefing on Saturday, Detective Sergeant John Obrovac mentioned that Sarkodie had moved to Canada from Ghana in 2024 and was residing and working in the Hamilton region.

“Belinda was an innocent person, merely conducting her routine activities,” he noted. “At the time, she was spending time with a companion in the downtown area.”

Investigators stated that Sarkodie has a sibling in Manitoba but no other relatives in the province. Her family in Ghana has been informed of her passing.

“At this point, we suspect the suspect may have known the male victim and targeted him, though the reason remains under investigation,” Obrovac elaborated. “There is no indication that the suspect and Belinda Sarkodie were familiar with each other, nor that she was specifically targeted.”

The search for 17-year-old Mackale Lavoie is currently underway, and he is still at large.

“People are asked not to attempt to confront him,” officials warned. “If you encounter Mackale Lavoie or have information regarding his location, please report it to Hamilton Police Service without delay.”