Hamilton Police: Landlord Dispute Results in Fatalities of Engaged Couple

A community in Stoney Creek is in a state of shock following a devastating incident over the weekend that claimed the lives of a couple in their 20s. The Hamilton police reported that the couple, who were renting a home in east Hamilton, was shot and killed by their landlord during a dispute on Saturday. Upon arriving at the scene around 6 p.m., the police found the man barricaded inside the residence, leading to a lengthy standoff that lasted for several hours.

According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), an exchange of gunfire took place between the man and a police officer, resulting in the suspect’s death. The SIU further stated that the couple, described as an educational assistant and an electrician who were engaged to be married, had been shot while attempting to flee the property.

Detective Sergeant Steve Bereziuk addressed the media on Sunday morning, expressing the tragic nature of the incident and emphasizing that the couple were innocent victims. The local Ward 10 councillor, Jeff Beattie, described the scene as “horrifying” and highlighted the rarity of such events in this usually quiet neighborhood.

The police were initially called to the residence at 322 Jones Rd., located north of Barton Street in Stoney Creek, following reports of a shooting. It was discovered that the 57-year-old male suspect, identified as the landlord, had barricaded himself inside the house and possessed several firearms registered under his name. Efforts were made throughout the night to negotiate a peaceful resolution with the suspect.

The SIU confirmed that around 10 p.m., an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and a police officer, resulting in the suspect’s fatal injury. A team of ten investigators has been assigned to the case, and their presence was observed at the site on Sunday as they continued their investigation.

SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon: pic.twitter.com/po1NPDt3C4

— Special Investigations Unit (@SIUOntario) May 28, 2023

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is currently examining a recent shooting incident involving the police in Hamilton. The SIU’s mandate is to investigate incidents where police officers shoot at individuals, as well as cases involving police actions that result in death or serious injury.

The identities of the victims, a man and a woman, have been withheld at this time, but their families have been notified by the police. Detective Sergeant Steve Bereziuk expressed that the families are devastated by the tragic events, emphasizing that the victims were not involved in any criminal activities that would have warranted such an incident.

The exact details leading up to the shooting are still under investigation. Preliminary information suggests that a dispute over the condition of the home may have been a factor, although specific details have not been disclosed. The dispute was unrelated to missed rental payments, according to the police.

Residents in the neighborhood were asked by the police to remain inside their homes and away from windows during the incident. One resident, who has lived in the area for a significant period, expressed shock and fear as gunshots were heard later in the evening. The resident described the landlord as a quiet individual who resided in the home with his girlfriend.

Local councillor Jeff Beattie acknowledged the impact of the tragic event on the community. He conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families and commended the efforts of the police. As the SIU investigation is ongoing, Beattie refrained from providing further details but assured the community of his support. He emphasized the community’s resilience and unity, expressing his confidence that they will come together and overcome this challenging situation.

The SIU continues to investigate the incident to gather more information and establish a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.