17-Year-Old Mackale Lavoie Identified as Suspect; Canada-Wide Arrest Warrant Issued
HAMILTON, ONTARIO — What should have been an ordinary summer evening in downtown Hamilton turned into a scene of unspeakable tragedy on Friday, July 11, 2025, when 26-year-old Berlinda Sarkodie was fatally shot in broad daylight — the innocent victim of a violent act that has shattered her community.
Hamilton Police have now identified 17-year-old Mackale Lavoie as the suspect in the fatal shooting that occurred around 5:25 p.m. at the intersection of King Street East and James Street North, a normally lively stretch in the city’s core. Lavoie is wanted on charges of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. A Canada-wide warrant for his arrest has been issued, and authorities warn he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Investigators say the shooting was targeted — directed at a group of three individuals. But in a cruel twist of fate, Berlinda Sarkodie, who had no connection to the altercation, was struck and killed by the gunfire. She died at the scene, her life taken in a matter of seconds, leaving a community devastated and a family broken.
Originally from Ghana, Berlinda had made a life for herself in Canada, known to friends and neighbors as kind, driven, and full of promise. She had recently completed college courses and was preparing to pursue a career in health care — a field she chose because of her deep compassion for others. Friends describe her as “a beacon of light,” someone who lit up every room and lifted those around her.
“She was just walking. She had nothing to do with this,” said a tearful friend at a candlelight vigil held Saturday. “Berlinda didn’t deserve to be a statistic. She deserved a future.”
The Hamilton Police Service condemned the act in a statement, calling it “a reckless and horrifying display of violence.” Authorities confirmed that Berlinda was not the intended target and emphasized that this senseless killing underscores the growing urgency to address gun violence in the city.
The surviving intended victim is reportedly recovering, though details remain limited due to the ongoing investigation.
As the city mourns, community leaders and residents are calling for stronger violence prevention efforts and mental health resources — not just to prevent tragedies like this one, but to honor the lives affected by them.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mackale Lavoie is urged to contact the Hamilton Police Homicide Unit at 905-546-3827. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
Berlinda Sarkodie’s story should have been one of hope and achievement. Instead, it ends in grief.
Her name will not be forgotten. Her light will continue to shine in the memories of those who loved her — and in the fight for a safer, more just community.
