Hamilton police investigating possible connection between homicide and second shooting incident Friday
Hamilton police have released the identity of the city's first homicide victim of the year.
In a media release Saturday, police said Robert Barberstock, 53, of Hamilton was killed after he was shot inside of a home in the area of Sanford Avenue North and Acorn Street just after 4 p.m. on March 24.
Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack" and are searching for three to four male suspects who were seen fleeing the area. No further information was provided on the suspects.
Arthur Avenue North was closed Friday night between Wilson Street and King Street East for the investigation. There was a large scene taped off and a heavy police presence. Detectives could be seen near the corner of Arthur and Acorn at around 6 p.m. Friday night.
As of Saturday morning, police had cordoned off a single home at the corner of Arthur Avenue North and Acorn Street.
Police also announced Saturday that they were investigating a possible connection between the central Hamilton homicide and a shooting incident where a victim was found at an east end motel on Friday afternoon.
In a separate media release, police said just before 4:30 p.m. first responders were called to the Red Rose Motel at 553 Queenston Rd., near Nash Road, for a 38-year-old man suffering from a life-threatening leg injury.
Hamilton police also attended the call.
The man was taken to hospital, where it was confirmed that he had been shot in the leg. His condition has since been upgraded to stable and his injuries downgraded to non-life threatening.
Police provided no further details on the incident, including whether or not its believed the man was shot at the motel.
On Sunday, crime scene tape could be seen strewn across the parking lot of the east Hamilton motel. A police cruiser was parked outside of room No. 1, with the door left open and the television left on.
The homicide unit is investigating both incidents, according to the release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lisa Chambers at 905-546-3843.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online tips to crimestoppershamilton.com.
Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com