Hamilton police trying to find witness to student’s murder
Nearly a month after Yosif Al- Hasnawi was murdered on a central Hamilton street, police say they’re still looking to identify the “older man” who the 19- year- old Good Samaritan was trying to help just before he was shot.
The man was captured on surveillance video on the street and in a nearby business shortly before the shooting about 9 p. m. Dec. 2.
Police believe he was being harassed by two men on Main Street East, near Wentworth Street North.
Al- Hasnawi, a student at Brock University, was taking a break with one of his younger brothers and a couple of friends from a religious celebration at the Al- Moustafa Islamic Centre, when he yelled for the men to leave the man alone.
The men took exception to this and an altercation ensued, police said. Witnesses saw Al- Hasnawi and others running after the men, onto Sanford Avenue North, when one of the men turned and shot Al- Hasnawi.
Despite releasing two photos of the unidentified “older man,” Hamilton police say they’re still waiting for someone to come forward and help identify him.
Hamilton police have arrested and charged the two men allegedly involved in the homicide.
Dale Burningsky King, 19, is charged with second- degree murder. James Matheson, 20, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
Niagara Regional Police — at the request of Hamilton police — have agreed to investigate the actions of paramedics who have been accused by witnesses and family of not taking Al- Hasnawi’s injuries seriously, including allegedly saying he was faking.
It took 38 minutes for paramedics to transport him to hospital and he was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital, not the closer Hamilton General Hospital — the regional trauma centre — where he was pronounced dead an hour after the shooting.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Hamilton Paramedic Service are also investigating.
Anyone with information on the unidentified man’s identity or whereabouts is asked to call Det. Doug Jonovich at 905- 546- 4863.
To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800- 222- 8477 or submit tips online at crime stoppers hamilton. com.