Hamilton police identify man, woman killed in double homicide

Investigators have identified a man and woman who were killed in an early morning shooting in Hamilton.

Thirty-nine-year-old Jahmal Thomas, of Brantford, and 25-year-old Rhonda Homsombath, of Hamilton, died in hospital after being shot inside Urban Lounge shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday.

Police say the victims went to the lounge, which is located in the basement behind Sam’s Tavern on Barton St., following a memorial celebration for 2019 murder victim Carel Douse.

Two other men, aged 38 and 29, also suffered gunshot wounds and are recovering in hospital.

Police say a man in his early thirties walked into the lounge and fired multiple shots into the group.

Detectives are still trying to determine a motive behind the shooting. They say investigators have not been able to establish a relationship between any of the victims.

The suspect is described by police as black, roughly five-foot-ten, with a thin build and short braids. He was wearing dark jeans or pants and a track suit-style zip-up jacket.

Friends of Homsombath told CHCH News that the young mother of one grew up in the city and was an “amazing person.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been setup for her eight-year-old daughter. The page describes Homsombath as young, full of life, loving, and caring. It says the young woman had many plans for her future and that of her daughter. The campaign has raised $4,000 of its $20,000 goal. It says money raised will be put into a fund to support Homsombath’s daughter’s education and future financial needs.

Police continue to investigate the shooting and encourage anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Det. Daryl Reid at 905-546-3825.

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