‘Two beautiful souls’: Families of couple slain in landlord-tenant dispute speak out
Posted June 1, 2023 1:53 pm.
Last Updated June 1, 2023 1:54 pm.
The families of two people killed by their landlord after a dispute about mold growing in their rental apartment in Stoney Creek have released a statement through Hamilton police, calling them “two beautiful souls” who were set to marry this summer.
Carissa MacDonald, 27, and Aaron Stone, 28, were shot to death on Saturday by their landlord, who lived in the unit above them.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson with Hamilton Police confirmed that a dispute over the state of their basement apartment — specifically mold — ultimately led to the fatal shootings.
It was also revealed that MacDonald and Stone, identified by police on Tuesday, were preparing to move out of the unit on Thursday, June 1.
“They were days away from moving into their new home and starting the next chapter of their lives,” their families said in a joint statement Thursday.
“They were planning on getting married this summer,” they added.
“They were such family-oriented people who were so full of life and love. They loved their family, friends, each other, their fur baby Max and their time spent enjoying the outdoors and nature.
“They were hardworking, honest, giving people who would do anything in their power to help anyone who needed it.”
Stone was an apprentice electrician and MacDonald worked at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
Their families say they were both devoted to their respective fields.
“Carissa was very dedicated to her career, she loved her job, her school family and all of ‘her kids’ as she called them.
“Aaron was very well respected in his union and he had just finished his five years of education … He possessed so much knowledge inside his profession.
“Carissa and Aaron were two beautiful souls.”
‘Truly innocent victims’: police
Investigators described the couple as “truly innocent victims” who were shot to death as they attempted to run from their home.
The landlord was later killed in an exchange of gunfire with an officer after barricading himself inside the unit.
His identity has not been released.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has taken over the case, confirming that five firearms were collected from the residence, and one police-issued firearm was seized.
With files from Lucas Casaletto and The Canadian Press
