Hamilton shooting victim was killed just outside his home
The city's seventh homicide victim of the year was killed in a targeted and senseless" shooting, say Hamilton police.
David Anderson, 38, of Hamilton, was pronounced dead in hospital late Wednesday night after he was found suffering from a gunshot wound in an alley that runs between houses on Birch and Gibson avenues, north of Cannon Street East, shortly before 10:30 p.m.
Speaking to reporters Friday afternoon, Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk, of the major crime unit, said police believe Anderson was the victim of a targeted" robbery that involved drugs and ended in gunfire.
What exactly happened between the robbery and the shooting remains unclear.
Police are now searching for four males, believed to be suspects, that were seen on video fleeing down an alleyway just east of Gibson Avenue shortly after the shooting. Another video shows three of the four men crossing Sherman Avenue North near Rosemont Avenue soon after.
Bereziuk said detectives believe the robbery started inside of Anderson's Birch Avenue home - which backs onto the alley. How the suspects entered the residence is still unknown.
But the suspects did go to Anderson's home with a purpose, Bereziuk said. He would not comment on what was stolen, but police believe drugs were involved.
The incident inside the home somehow spilled out into the alley, where police believe Anderson was shot, just metres away from his back door. Bereziuk said he has some ideas" as to how Anderson ended up in the alleyway, but it's still under investigation.
Anderson had a few minor run-ins with police in the past, but certainly nothing that would indicate his involvement in an incident like this," said Bereziuk.
At the time of the incident, police believe Anderson was the only one home, but confirmed that he did live with his mother.
Prior to the shooting, Bereziuk had previously told The Spectator that there was some sort of dispute," with yelling. Residents in the area heard at least one gunshot and rushed to help him.
They did a great job trying to help him out and offered him some comfort at that point in time," said Bereziuk, who would not comment on the nature of Anderson's injuries.
Anderson was rushed to hospital, but despite extensive medical work," he died around 11:15 p.m.
Bereziuk said the initial shock of the violent" and senseless" shooting has set in for Anderson's mother.
She's lost for words right now as to how this ended up the way that it did," he said. She's very upset and I feel for her."
A woman who answered the door at Anderson's home provided no comment. Neighbour Rhonda Murphy described Anderson as a great guy" who would do anything for anyone in the neighbourhood."
A weapon has not yet been recovered, said Bereziuk. Police conducted a ground search in the area Friday and they continue to canvas the neighbourhood for surveillance footage.
Police have not released any additional details about the suspects, who were last seen running eastbound from Gibson Avenue toward Chestnut Avenue.
We're continuing to look for more video in an effort to tighten up a suspect description and further the investigation," said Bereziuk.
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. David Brewster 905-546-4067. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.
Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com