Police search for 2 suspects in east Hamilton Mountain homicide

Hamilton police have identified the victim of a shooting at a business on the east Mountain Monday evening as they continue the search for two suspects.

Investigators provided an update to the case at a press conference Tuesday afternoon prior to releasing images of the believed shooter and the suspect vehicle.

Officers say the victim, 33-year-old Spencer Laffin, was working at Satellite Tire on Nebo Road where a brief interaction occurred between the victim and shooter before shots were fired. They say the victim was then pursued to the neighbouring property where he was shot “several more” times.

Police were called to the area just after 5 p.m. for reports of gunfire from witnesses.

Upon arrival, Laffin, who was from the Hamilton-area, was found deceased outside of 70 Nebo Rd.

The victim, police say, was known to police at the time of his death though they did not disclose the manner of this connection.

READ MORE: Hamilton police investigating reports of body found near Bruce Trail in Waterdown

In the aftermath of the shooting, investigators say the suspect fled the scene, travelling northbound on Nebo Road before entering a vehicle being driven by a second suspect.

Police are now seeking a dark-coloured, four-door SUV in connection with the shooting. They say that vehicle stopped at Nebo Road and Hempstead Drive at the time of the shooting.

The suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting is described as a Black man , approximately six-feet-tall, with a slim build and wearing dark clothing and a blue surgical mask at the time of the incident.

Hamilton Police are investigating a homicide after an adult male was shot in the area of Nebo Rd and Hempstead Drive in #HamOnt.

Expect a large police presence in the area.

It is early in the investigation and more details will be released when available.

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) December 11, 2023

The motive behind the homicide remains unknown at this time, though investigators do believe the shooting was targeted.

Residents have been advised to expect an increased police presence in the area for the next 48 hours as investigations continue.

Motorists and businesses in the area are asked to review security or dash camera footage between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. for the suspect and suspect vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lisa Chambers of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-3843.