Members of the Ghanaian community in Hamilton, Canada, held a vigil in memory of 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie, the Ghanaian woman who was shot and killed in a daylight incident near a busy intersection in the city.
The vigil took place on the rooftop of Jackson Square Mall, near the corner of King Street East and James Street South, just steps from where Sarkodie was fatally shot last Friday, July 18.
Hamilton Police described Sarkodie as an innocent victim who was simply going about her day when a gunman opened fire at approximately 5:25 p.m.
Police say the suspect, a 17-year-old male, was allegedly targeting three other individuals when Sarkodie was struck and killed.
The Ghanaian Association of Hamilton has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a senseless act that has left the community shaken.
The Association is organizing another public vigil this Friday at the intersection of King and James to honour Sarkodie’s life and memory.
In a statement, the Association noted that it is collaborating with other Ghanaian groups to support Sarkodie’s family back in Ghana as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, a manhunt remains ongoing for the teenage suspect, who has been charged with second-degree murder. A court order permitting the release of the teen’s identity has since expired.
