Whoever killed David Anderson knew there were drugs in house: Hamilton police

Whoever killed David Anderson came to his Birch Avenue home with a plan to rob the 38-year-old, and Hamilton police believe they knew what they were looking for.

The suspects entered Anderson's home late April 28 looking for drugs and possibly cash, said Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk, of the major crime unit.

He wouldn't say whether police believe the suspects forced their way in, but inside the house there was clear evidence the home had been searched.

I think he was caught off guard," Bereziuk said.

He also wouldn't say what type of drug was taken, adding that they don't want to tip off potential witnesses. However, police may release that detail later.

The robbery happened inside the home where Anderson lived with his mother, but he was alone that Wednesday night. Somehow the victim and suspects ended up behind the home in an alleyway that runs between Birch and Gibson avenues, north of Cannon Street East. Witnesses heard yelling and then at least one gunshot.

Did Anderson chase them? Or try to get them to leave? Police aren't sure exactly why the incident spilled out of the house or what led to the shooting around 10:30 p.m.

Bereziuk believes the plan was likely to rob Anderson, but not to kill him. Something happened to escalate the situation.

In the moments after the shooting four males were captured on video running down the alleyway, just east of Gibson Avenue. Minutes later another video clip shows the same men crossing Sherman Avenue North near Rosemont Avenue and continuing to head east.

Bereziuk said detectives have a good idea of the path the four took, sticking to back alleys and purposefully staying off the main roads" the whole way.

The actual shooting is not captured on video.

Bereziuk said he cannot say with certainty that the four seen running are the suspects. However, it is suspicious" that they are seen running in the alley just after the shooting.

Nobody's calling us to say, hey that's me in the alley and I've got nothing to do with this,'" he said. We are very interested in identifying who these guys are."

Since releasing the video clips Friday, police have had some calls, but are hoping more people will come forward with information to help identify the four men.

Anderson lived in the home for many years with his mom, and was well-liked in the neighbourhood.

He was known as a guy who would stand up for what is right, said Det. David Brewster, the lead detective on the case.

If he saw something in the park that he thought wasn't right, he would step up and try to help people, he said. He was not afraid to stand up for himself.

Anderson had minor run-ins with police over the years, but nothing significant.

I don't know why he'd be shot," Bereziuk said. He was not on our radar for this kind of stuff."

Police do not know how much of the unspecified drug was taken, but believe it was a noticeable" amount.

A significant focus of the police work now is hunting for any relevant surveillance video from in and around the area.

Right now we're on chase," Bereziuk said. Trying desperately to obtain any video."

Anderson's death marks the seventh homicide in Hamilton in 2021. He is the second person to be fatally shot this year.

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.

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