Hamilton Police announced late Sunday evening that they have arrested and charged a 14-year-old youth in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Nabil Askafe inside Jackson Square on Friday afternoon.
The youth, whose identity is now protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, faces a charge of second degree murder. While police had previously received judicial authorisation to release the name and photograph of the accused during the search, that authorisation has now concluded.
Investigators announced the arrest just before 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. The police statement did not specify if the firearm used in the homicide has been recovered.
The arrest follows a brazen shooting that occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. on Friday near the the Wireless+ store inside the downtown mall.
Mayor Andrea Horwath described the event as a “horrifying act of violence” and a “senseless shooting,” while calling for stronger action to remove illegal firearms from the community. Hamilton Centre Member of Parliament Aslam Rana also issued a statement expressing condolences and concern over the public safety risk.
In Sunday’s arrest statement, Hamilton Chief of Police Frank Bergen states, “Our community continues to grieve the loss of a 16-year-old whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. The fact that another young person is alleged to be responsible is deeply troubling. 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 state they’ve spoke “to all the individuals involved” and they “are not looking for any more suspects.
Ward 3 City Councillor Nrinder Nann responded to news of the arrest in a post on Instagram, writing, “I have truly been at a loss for words about this entire incident. Moving through anger, sadness and so many other feelings for the young boy killed and the young boy who killed, their families, and loved ones. There is no making sense of this. It should never have happened.
Askafe’s family has requested privacy as they mourn.
Production Details
v. 1.0.1
Published: April 26, 2026
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
v. 1.0.1 added quote from Clr. Nann. (10:50pm)