Hamilton Police have made an arrest in the murder of David Stevens. Stevens was killed in his apartment in January.

Around 11.30 p.m., on January 29, 2020, 46-year-old David Stevens was on his laptop inside his apartment at 21 Harvey Street, Hamilton, when he was shot through his door. When Hamilton Paramedic Service arrived minutes later, he was unresponsive and taken to the Hamilton General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators have now charged 23-year-old Shajjad Idrish of Stoney Creek with First Degree murder in the killing of David Stevens. Idrish appeared by video in court this morning at the John Sopinka Court House and was remanded into custody.

Shajjad Idrish was arrested by Brantford Police Service on February 14, 2020, for the murder of Jason Kossatz, and the Attempted Murder of two other persons that occurred on February 8, 2020, at the Galaxy Motel on Colborne Street in Brantford. Idrish has been in custody since his arrest by Brantford Police Service.

In the David Stevens murder, three individuals were observed on video kicking in the front door of the Harvey Street rooming house. All three entered the residence and were seen running out again 30 seconds later. It was during this time that David was fatally shot.

The three individuals then fled in a silver or grey coloured, Chevrolet Cruze, 2015 model or older, four-door with no sunroof which was captured on video accelerating from the scene.

Major Crime investigators believe they have identified the other two males who were with Idrish when David Stevens was killed. None of these individuals were known to David Stevens.

The investigation revealed that the three males attended 21 Harvey Street to settle an ongoing dispute between Idrish and one of the other occupants in the seven apartment rooming house. David Stevens was not the intended target of the shooting. Several tenants have since moved out of the rooming house, including the intended target.

Only one weapon was fired inside 21 Harvey Street and that gun has not been recovered.

On March 6, 2020, a 19-year-old male from Hamilton was arrested for the murder of David Stevens. This male was released unconditionally after being interviewed by police. He remains a suspect in the ongoing investigation.

On April 30, 2020, Major Crime investigators interviewed a 20-year-old male from Hamilton. He is believed to be the third person who entered the Harvey Street residence when David Stevens was killed. This individual was informed of his status in the case.

Investigators recommended that the aforementioned 19 and 20-year-old males seek legal advice as to their status, in this case, may change as the investigation continues and further evidence is anticipated to be unveiled.

Police are still looking for the silver or grey Chevrolet Cruze pictured below. This vehicle is likely an outstanding stolen vehicle from Brantford which was stolen on the night of the murder and was bearing Ontario licence plate BKXP 727. Anyone who observes this vehicle or has knowledge of its whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime, you are asked to contact Detective Rich Wouters of the Major Crime Unit by calling 905-546-4921.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com