A 15-year-old boy surrendered to Hamilton Police on Sunday evening after being wanted for the July 29, 2026, shooting deaths of Afef Binafif, 18, and Abdulmalek Shibli, 16. The suspect faces charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder, while a 34-year-old woman has been charged as an accessory.
The arrests follow a violent encounter at Tabby Town Co-op Housing on Candlewood Drive, where first responders discovered two teenagers with gunshot wounds outdoors. Both victims were transported to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. While police initially sought the public’s help to find the suspect, the 15-year-old turned himself into authorities on Sunday.
Charges and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
The teen suspect is facing two counts of second-degree murder
and four counts of attempted murder using a firearm
. Because of his age, his identity is now protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This legal protection comes after a brief window where the suspect’s name and image were public; police had obtained a judicial authorization on July 31 for the purpose of locating and arresting him.
The legal proceedings are not limited to the teenager. A 34-year-old woman was also arrested and charged with obstruction of police and accessory after the fact. Both individuals were scheduled to appear in court on August 3, 2026.
Bear Spray Disturbance and Retaliation
Investigators have linked the double homicide to a separate, earlier conflict. Det. Sgt. Mike Ebert stated that the shooting appears to be retaliation for an earlier disturbance involving bear spray at a residence in Hamilton’s east end
. That initial incident occurred around midnight near Centennial Parkway North and Barton Street East.
The connection between the victims and the bear spray incident remains unclear, as Ebert did not specify how the two teens were involved in that earlier disturbance. However, police believe at least six people arrived in the area on the morning of the shooting, suggesting a coordinated effort.
Weaponry Used at Candlewood Drive
While the shooting resulted in two fatalities, only one firearm was actually discharged. The second weapon involved in the confrontation was an imitation firearm.
Hamilton Police continue to seek information from the public. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Det. Matt Dugdale or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
