A tragic shooting incident in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, has claimed the life of 26-year-old Ghanaian national, Belinda Sarkodie, who migrated to Canada in 2024.
According to the Hamilton Police Service, Ms. Sarkodie was an innocent bystander caught in a broad daylight shooting on Friday, July 11, 2025. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. near the busy intersection of King Street East and James Street North.
Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and arrived at what they described as a “chaotic and distressing” scene. A white male victim was found with non-life-threatening injuries and transported to the hospital. Ms. Sarkodie was discovered further west along King Street with critical gunshot wounds. Despite emergency life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Belinda was an innocent bystander, simply going about her day,” said Detective Sergeant John Obrovac during a press briefing on Saturday, July 12. “At the time of the incident, she was spending time with a friend in the downtown core.”
Investigators believe the male victim may have been the intended target. “There is currently no indication that the suspect knew Belinda Sarkodie, or that she was targeted in any way,” Obrovac added. “It appears she was tragically caught in the crossfire.”
Ms. Sarkodie had been living and working in the Hamilton area since arriving in Canada. Her brother, who lives in Manitoba, is her only immediate family member in the country. Police have confirmed that her next of kin in Ghana have been notified.
The suspect, who remains at large, is described as a white male of medium build with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white design on the front and a large “V” on the back, along with dark socks, dark shoes, and a black medical-style face mask.
Hamilton Police are urging anyone with information or surveillance footage to come forward as the investigation continues.
