Hamilton shooting victim a ‘charismatic and likable guy’
A 19-YEAR-OLD
Toronto man gunned down at a party at an industrial property in Hamilton is being remembered as a “charismatic and likable guy.”
Natshon Defreitas was shot at 470 Beach Rd., a one-storey industrial building at the corner of Martimas Avenue, around 4:15 a.m. on Sunday. Other partygoers tried to drive him to hospital, but stopped at Ottawa Street North and Dalhousie Avenue, where he was transferred into an ambulance.
The 19-year-old was pronounced dead in hospital around 6 a.m. An autopsy would later show he died from being shot.
In a brief statement from family, provided by Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk of the Hamilton police major crime unit, they said Defreitas enjoyed sports, track and field and loved to dance.
A GoFundMe account titled, Natshon Defreitas, has been set up by his stepmother, Sherrie Biggley, to cover some funeral expenses. They are asking for $2,500 and had raised more than $1,700 by Tuesday afternoon.
Defreitas was among 35 to 50 people who attended a party in the garage of the industrial building, hosted by the individual renting the space. The property owner was not aware of the party and police had no record of past complaints.
No suspect description has been released, however, detectives believe it was likely one shooter. Defreitas was unarmed.
Detectives have gathered surveillance video from the area and are speaking with witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Andrew Coughlan at 905-5463874.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.