The summer air in Hamilton held a promise of warmth and new beginnings for Belinda Sarkodie Agyemang, a 26-year-old woman who had recently arrived from Ghana. That promise was brutally shattered on July 11th, 2025, when a stray bullet ended her life outside Jackson Square, a senseless tragedy that left a community reeling.
For months, Hamilton Police relentlessly pursued a 17-year-old suspect, a shadow on the streets who had evaded capture since that devastating day. The investigation wasn’t a fleeting effort, but a sustained, four-month commitment described as a “door-to-door” search, a constant pressure that, according to Chief Frank Bergen, must have been keenly felt by the young man.
On November 18th, 2025, the suspect finally turned himself in. While the relief of an arrest offered a small measure of solace, it couldn’t erase the profound loss. Belinda, police stated, was an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire of a conflict meant for someone else.
Chief Bergen didn’t mince words, describing the alleged killer as an “entitled… young punk” whose actions demonstrated a shocking disregard for human life. He emphasized the gravity of bringing a firearm into a public space to settle a dispute, highlighting a disturbing trend and a dangerous mindset.
The young offender now faces charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder, allegations that will be tested in the courts. Due to legal restrictions, his identity remains protected, a frustrating reality for a community desperate for answers and accountability.
Belinda’s death echoed a similar tragedy earlier in the year, when 21-year-old international student Harsimrat Randhawa was fatally shot while waiting at a bus stop near Mohawk College. In that case, police have already charged three suspects, offering a glimmer of hope for justice.
Beyond the legal proceedings, the focus remains on the unimaginable grief of the Sarkodie family. Detective-Sergeant John Obrovac expressed the unwavering support of the police, acknowledging that Belinda’s memory is present in their thoughts every single day.
Those who knew Belinda remember her for her kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit. She touched countless lives with her approachable nature, leaving behind a heartbroken mother, siblings Richard and Linda, and the memory of her late father, James Sarkodie.
The senselessness of her death ignited anger and sorrow throughout Hamilton. It was a stark reminder that violence can strike anyone, anywhere, shattering lives and leaving a community grappling with grief. While justice may offer some measure of closure, it can never truly repair the damage.
Belinda’s Canadian dream, filled with hope and possibility, ended in a nightmare. Remembering her name, speaking her name, is a small but powerful act of defiance against the tragedy that stole her future.
