UPDATE: Hamilton police trying to identify victim after body found near MacNab alley
Hamilton police are investigating the death of a man downtown as a homicide.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday morning, Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk said police were called to an alleyway just behind 156 James St. S., in the area of Duke Street and MacNab Street South, just before 7 a.m. for reports of a man who was deceased" with obvious injuries."
The man was pronounced dead on scene. He was not transported to the hospital.
The major crime unit was called in at that time, Bereziuk said.
Bereziuk said the man was stabbed, but the number of stab wounds are unknown to police at this time and will not be released as they are considered evidence.
Investigators are still trying to identify the victim. A body covered in a tarp was visible Tuesday morning in an alley between Bold and Duke streets.
Bereziuk said police could not release an age yet but the man appears to be older than 30."
He said officers were interviewing witnesses at Central Station and police continue to canvas the area for video as well as additional witnesses.
A weapon has not yet been recovered but Bereziuk said police would be conducting an extensive ground search" in the area Tuesday.
I don't have a lot of information right now as to what happened but obviously we're investigating as we try to find out what happened to this male," said Bereziuk. If you have any information or know anything in terms of what happened here last night, we'd love to hear from you."
Jamila Bello, who resides in the apartment building just down the street from the alleyway, said coming outside to find out there was a homicide so close by was quite alarming."
She initially thought the police presence and caution tape were a part of the nearby film shoot.
The fact that the police are here for a whole other reason is really shocking," said Bello. That's actually really frightening."
Debra McLellan, who was walking past the alleyway with her brother, said her sister lives in an apartment in the area, which is just a few blocks away from where Gladys Little was killed in May of this year.
Ever since then, McLellan has told her sister to stay home and not go out by herself - especially at night.
You're scared to go anywhere," she added. It's terrible."
Much of the area was taped off for the investigation, but so far no streets have been closed. Residents should expect delays if travelling through the downtown area south of the GO station.
Police said there is no ongoing safety risk to the public.
This is Hamilton's 14th homicide of 2020.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lisa Chambers by calling 905-546-3843.
Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com