A 15‑year‑old boy is now the focus of a manhunt after two teenagers were fatally shot in Stoney Creek.
The deadly exchange took place early Wednesday morning at a home on Candlewood Drive, near Whitedeer and Rymal Roads. Officers arriving on the scene found two men with gunshot wounds, who were later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The victims, Abdulmalek Shibli, 18, and Afef Binafif, 16, were residents of Hamilton.
Police suggest the shooting may have been a retaliation for a bear‑spray incident that occurred the previous night in Hamilton’s east end.
The earlier disturbance involved a residential location near Barton Street and Centennial Parkway, where a bear‑spray device was used and at least one individual linked to both incidents was present.
After the spray event, investigators say a group of at least six people gathered at the co‑op on Candlewood Drive, leading to an exchange of gunfire that targeted the residence.
The two victims were part of that group, but not the intended target.
A 15‑year‑old suspect, Rahziel Martin of Hamilton, has been identified and is wanted on charges of two counts of second‑degree murder and four counts of attempted murder using a firearm.
Police have issued a warrant and a court order allowing the suspect to be identified for five days or until custody is obtained.
Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Detective Matt Dugdale or Crime Stoppers.
