Boy, 14, wanted for murder in mall shooting death of Hamilton teen

Update: The boy turned himself in, police said late Sunday.

Original story follows.

Police are warning the public not to approach a teen boy wanted for the murder of a 16-year-old at a Hamilton mall.

Multiple gunshots rang out inside the Wireless+ mobile store at Hamilton’s Jackson Square shopping centre shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday, the Hamilton Police Service says.

The daylight shooting police called “brazen” happened after two male suspects got in an “altercation” with a 16-year-old victim.

Police have now identified the victim as Nabil Askafe, 16, of Hamilton.

Both of the suspects were armed with firearms, including one that appeared to be a long gun. Investigators say the suspects are considered armed and should not be approached.

On Saturday, investigators identified one of the two suspects as 14-year-old Lucas Turnbull, wanted for the second degree murder of Askafe.

Police have released a photo of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

The name of the accused was not initially released, but investigators have since identified Turnbull under a temporary authorization of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The mall was full of shoppers when the shooting happened, and HPS Supt. Marty Schulenberg called the shooting “a very traumatic incident for people to witness and to hear.”

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath called the shooting “a horrifying act of violence,” and that “guns have no place on our streets.”

“We need urgent, stronger action to get illegal firearms out of our communities,” she said in a social media post on Friday.

Investigators say the suspects were seen fleeing the King Street West on foot headed east, and are believed to be armed.

Police say Turnbull is advised to contact investigators, or seek legal counsel and turn himself in. Officer are also the second suspect to come forward.

Investigators say anyone who sees the suspects should not approach them and call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact HPS by calling 905-546-3865. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.