Murder victim ambushed outside Hamilton men’s shelter

Christopher Sim was ambushed in the parking lot of a downtown men's shelter late Sunday morning, fatally stabbed by a killer who attacked just as the 31-year-old stepped outside.

There was no way for Chris to see it (coming) ... it was a pure blitz attack," said Hamilton police Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk, of the major crime unit.

He had no way to defend himself."

Sim was stabbed after exiting the doors on the south side of the parking lot at Mission Services on James Street North at Barton Street East around 11:45 a.m. Aug. 8. He stumbled, bleeding, through the parking lot before collapsing. Several people in the area ran over and tried to help him.

His injury was so severe it was not survivable," Bereziuk said.

The 31-year-old was pronounced dead in hospital around 12:20 p.m.

Bereziuk commended the witnesses who rushed to help, adding that at least Sim was not alone.

Police believe the stabbing was intentional and that there was some element of planning, Bereziuk said. But the motive is not known.

Police say Jheidohn Shakeed Serieaux, 23, is wanted for first-degree murder.

The murder weapon has not been recovered and police say Serieaux should be considered armed.

It's not clear how long the killer waited outside or whether he knew Sim was coming out.

Serieaux and Sim knew each other, but police are not sure of the nature of their relationship.

Police are aware there was a fight outside the shelter earlier that day, but it's not yet clear whether the same two people were involved, Bereziuk said.

Sim, who is from Hamilton, had been living at the shelter for some time. He struggled with addiction, but remained loving and loyal to his family, police said.

Bereziuk said Sim was a father, son and brother. He had a passion for hockey, which he previously played.

Right now his family are missing him," Bereziuk said, adding that his family has asked for privacy in their grief.

Serieaux is transient. Police do not believe he was staying at the James Street North shelter at the time of the stabbing.

He is previously known to police, including for violence.

There is no evidence he has left Hamilton. If spotted, police ask the public not to approach, but call 911.

Anyone with information on a fight or beef" between the two is also asked to speak to police, Bereziuk said.

After the stabbing, police allege the killer fled west on Barton Street East. The police canine unit spent an hour tracking the suspect, but did not located anyone.

Police cleared the scene around 9 p.m. Sunday.

Mission Services is co-operating with police and members of the public have been very helpful, Bereziuk said.

The murder is unprecedented" for the James Street North shelter, said Mission Services of Hamilton associate executive director Wendy Kennelly.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that occurred at our men's shelter," she said. Our entire organization, staff, and residents have all been significantly impacted and are grieving."

The shelter continues to operate and there are grief counsellors on site for staff and residences.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Christopher's family and friends at this time," Kennelly said.

Sim's death marks the 12th homicide in Hamilton this year, including the shooting death of a 17-year-old just two days before.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. David Brewster at 905-546-4067.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com