Suspect in custody after teen fatally shot in Hamilton mall

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A 14-year-old boy is in police custody after Friday’s fatal shooting of another teen boy at a downtown Hamilton mall.

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Hamilton Police said a male suspect had surrendered on Sunday in connection to the slaying of Nabil Askafe, 14, who was gunned down on Friday evening at Jackson Square after an altercation.

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Police also said that they had spoken to all of the individuals involved in the incident and were not seeking additional suspects. They had originally said that two males were seen fleeing toward James St. after the shooting, but only one was armed.

“Our community continues to grieve the loss of a 16-year-old whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence,” Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen said in a news release issued on Sunday evening. “The fact that another young person is alleged to be responsible is deeply troubling.

Teen found with critical wounds

“This is not just a police matter – it is a community call to action. We should all be concerned when violence becomes an option for youth instead of resolution and hope.”

Police said they responded to the shooting just after 5 p.m. on Friday inside the mall, which is connected to TD Coliseum and is situated across King St. from the city’s central transit hub.

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Cops found a 16-year-old male – who had walked a short distance to a cellphone store after the shooting – suffering from life-threatening wounds and they said he was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

They previously said that footage from surveillance video showed the victim walking along King from Hess St. before the shooting when a “small interaction” took place and continued into the mall.

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Family recently emigrated from Syria

Police said Nabil lived in Hamilton, but that his family had recently emigrated from Syria.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that deeply impacts family, friends and the entire Hamilton community,” Det. Robert Di Ianni told reporters on Saturday afternoon. “Our thoughts are with all those grieving this devastating loss.”

He said the family had “requested privacy as they deal with their loss.”

Police are still asking witnesses to come forward and contact investigators at 905-546-3825 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

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