Hamilton man arrested in shooting death of Robert Barberstock

Published March 27, 2023 at 3:34 pm

A 37-year-old Hamilton man has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 53-year-old Robert Barberstock in the city’s Gibson neighbourhood, the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) announced on Monday.

Officers were called to a residence in the area of Sanford Ave. North and Acorn St. at around 4 p.m. on Friday after gunshots were reported. Police say Barberstock was found dead inside the residence with a gunshot wound.

Police say they had information suggesting that an individual involved with the shooting of Barberstock was also shot — in the leg.

Approximately 30 minutes after Barberstock’s body was discovered, police say they received reports that a man at the Red Rose Motel at 553 Queenston Rd. was suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound in his leg. An investigation revealed that the man had been shot prior to his arrival at the motel, according to officials.

The man was identified as Luke Willems and subsequently charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Barberstock. His charge was not proven in court.

Officials had said that they were looking for three or four male suspects in connection with Barberstock’s death, as witnesses claim they fled from the scene.

According to police, Willems is recovering from his gunshot wound, and his condition is no longer considered to be life-threatening.

A 37-year-old man by the name of Luke Willems was also arrested in March of 2022 in connection with an alleged kidnapping attempt at gunpoint at a Burlington condo. However, the HPS says they “cannot confirm at this time” whether it’s the same individual.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising