14-year-old wanted in shooting death of teen at Jackson Square mall turns himself in

Investigators say a 14-year-old boy, considered the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at a downtown mall on Friday, is now in custody after turning himself in to police on Sunday.

Police say the boy will be charged with second-degree murder in the death of Nabil Askafe of Hamilton.

Investigators had received judicial authorization to publish the boy’s name and photo until midnight on April 29, 2026.

Police also say they have now spoken to everyone involved in Friday’s altercation and are not looking for any more suspects.

“Our community continues to grieve the loss of a 16-year-old whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. The fact that another young person is alleged to be responsible is deeply troubling. This is not just a police matter – it is a community call to action,” said Chief Frank Bergen. “We should all be concerned when violence becomes an option for youth instead of resolution and hope.”

Investigators were called to Jackson Square on King Street West just after 5 p.m. for reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found the 16-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition and later pronounced dead.

Det. Staff Sgt. Robert Di Ianni said Askafe leaves behind a mother, father and a younger brother, adding that they recently immigrated to Canada from Syria.

“They’re deeply affected by this tragedy,” he said. “They’re completely devastated at this loss.”

“As far as we know, and this is through video surveillance, the victim was on King Street near Hess, and was walking towards the mall. There was a small interaction with the two others involved, which continued into the mall,” said Di Ianni.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath called the teen’s death “senseless” in a social media post on Friday.

“A young life taken far too soon,” she said. “Guns have no place on our streets. Period. This was a horrifying act of violence, and it must end. We need urgent, stronger action to get illegal firearms out of our communities.”