Court Allows ID Of Teen In Hamilton Mall Shooting Case

Police in Hamilton have received court approval to publicly identify a teenage suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at Jackson Square. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, resulted in the death of 16-year-old Nabil Askafe and has been described by authorities as a targeted attack.

According to investigators, the suspect is a 14-year-old boy from Hamilton who is wanted on a charge of second-degree murder. Due to legal protections surrounding minors, police required judicial authorization to release identifying details. The court order permitting this disclosure is valid until April 29, as officers continue efforts to locate and arrest the suspect.

The shooting took place at approximately 5 p.m. inside the busy shopping centre, following an altercation between the victim and two individuals. Police believe one of the suspects was armed with a concealed firearm larger than a handgun, which was used during the attack. The second individual is believed to have been unarmed, and authorities are urging that person to come forward to assist with the investigation.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident. Investigators said the victim managed to move a short distance before collapsing, where he was later found and pronounced dead. The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with officials describing it as a devastating loss for the victim’s family and loved ones.

Detective Robert Di Ianni has appealed directly to the suspect to seek legal counsel and surrender to police. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to piece together the sequence of events and determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The shopping centre was temporarily evacuated following the incident but has since reopened after the scene was cleared. Police have stated that the investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.