Police say there is no longer a threat to public safety as they investigate a landlord-tenant dispute in Stoney Creek that left an engaged couple dead.
Officers responded shortly before 6 p.m. on Saturday to the incident in the area of Jones Rd. and Barton St. and found two victims dead upon arrival.
Police say the victims, a 27-year-old woman and 28-year-old man, were both tenants at the residence.
Sgt. Steve Bereziuk says the couple were trying to flee the residence when they were shot and killed on the front lawn. Investigators say the initial dispute was over the state of the home.
Police confirmed that the couple were planning to move out by June 1 from their basement apartment.
The suspect, a 57-year-old landlord of the residence, barricaded himself in the home with firearms that were registered to him.
In a media release, police described a dangerous scene, saying the suspect fired at the police’s armoured vehicle just before 10:30 p.m., and later fired additional rounds.
Residents in the area were asked to shelter in their basement as a safety precaution after shots were fired from the home.
In a post around 1 a.m. Sunday, police said the threat to public safety was contained.
The situation at Jones Rd and Barton has been contained. There is no ongoing risk to public safety.
Police will remain in the area for sometime as we continue to investigate.
Please continue to avoid the area.
— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) May 28, 2023
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says the 57-year-old suspect was pronounced dead at the scene after an exchange of gunfire with a police officer.
The families of both victims have been notified, and the victim’s identities will not be shared at this time out of respect for the families.
Police say the female victim was an educational assistant in Brant County, and the man worked as an electrician in Hamilton.
Several witnesses have already been interviewed by homicide detectives and the SIU has invoked its mandate.
In Stoney Creek, @HamiltonPolice continue to hold the scene where a double murder and a standoff/gunfire exchange occurred. @SIUOntario is investigating. A 57-year old man was killed. A 27 year old woman, 28 year old man both killed beforehand. @morninglive @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/JNEd3Z4od3
— Jason Gaidola (@JGaidolaCHCH) May 29, 2023
