Have you seen Jheidohn Serieaux? Hamilton police say no sign of suspect in fatal stabbing

Several days into the hunt for an alleged killer, Hamilton police say there have been few public tips about Jheidohn Serieaux or where he may be hiding.

Police are appealing for the public's help to find the 23-year-old, who is wanted for first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of 31-year-old Christopher Sim. The murder weapon has not been recovered and Serieaux is considered armed.

The concern, we just don't want this to happen again," said Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk, of the major crime unit.

Sim was ambushed in the parking lot of Mission Services' James Street North men's shelter around 11:45 a.m. Aug. 8.

Detectives have confirmed there was a fight between Serieaux and Sim outside Mission Services shortly before the stabbing. It broke apart and then police allege Serieaux came back and targeted Sim as he walked into the parking lot.

Sim had no chance to defend himself, Bereziuk said. He was stabbed and then stumbled, bleeding through the parking lot. People ran over to help him, but his injuries were too serious and he was pronounced dead in hospital by 12:20 p.m.

The suspect fled west on Barton Street East before police arrived.

Homicide detectives quickly identified Serieaux and released his image hours after the murder, yet there have been few tips about his whereabouts.

Bereziuk warned anyone helping Serieaux could face charges of accessory after the fact to murder. He encouraged the 23-year-old to turn himself in to police.

Serieaux is transient and is known at Mission Services, in the downtown core and among people in homeless communities. But he's ghosted" his usual contacts, he said.

Shortly after the murder, there was a possible sighting of Serieaux attempting to board a bus at Bayfront Park. The man did not end up on the bus and the sighting was reported to police. However, Bereziuk said police have not confirmed it was him.

If that was Serieaux, it may have been an attempt to leave town, Bereziuk said. Police believe he is likely still in the Hamilton area.

The challenge with finding a suspect with Serieaux's lifestyle is he's difficult to trace, Bereziuk said, adding that he doesn't have a cellphone or social media to track.

Serieaux was known to police, including for violence.

At the time of the homicide, he was on probation after being convicted of four counts of assault, uttering threats and breaching probation in relation to an April 2021 incident downtown.

Police continue to interview witnesses and review video in the murder. It marks the 12th homicide in Hamilton this year.

If Serieaux is spotted, members of the public are advised not to approach, but to call 911.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. David Brewster, of the major crime unit, 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