On October 16, 2017, at approximately 3:40 a.m., a 911 call was placed by a male from a residence on Barton St E near Lottridge in East Hamilton. The male stated that his girlfriend Nicole Dragisic, 37, had been shot. EMS arrived and transported Dragisic to Hamilton General Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. There has been some cooperation from Nicole’s friends and associates but HPS continues to seek information on this investigation.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-3829.

At approximately 10:45 p.m., on December 21, 2015, the Hamilton Police Service received 911 calls from two separate males in a residence on Miller Drive in Ancaster. They advised that they were the victims of an apparent home invasion in which their father, Carman Ward, had been shot. Police and EMS responded and Ward was transported to the Juravinski hospital but he could not be revived. The family of Ward has been cooperative and would appreciate any information that could help HPS in concluding this investigation with an arrest.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-3829.

On August 12, 2015, at approximately 8:30 p.m. police were dispatched to a shooting at the ‘Jamesville’ housing complex in the neighbourhood between MacNab and James St N. Police received several calls for “shots fired” and a male down. The male appeared to have suffered from a gunshot wound. When EMS arrived on scene, the victim was determined to be without vital signs. A crime scene was constructed around the immediate area so as to facilitate a thorough forensic examination. Numerous calls made to 911 described a suspect running away after the shooting as a black male between the ages of 15 to 17 years. There has been cooperation by his friends and family, but the HPS continues to investigate and is seeking further information from the public.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contactS/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-3829.

On February 12, 2015, a family member attended Hamilton Police with concerns as to Hasan’s whereabouts. The last time anyone has seen or heard from Hasan was in the fall of 2006 when a family member dropped her off at the family farm located at 1207 Concession 8 Road West in Flamborough. At the time of her disappearance, Hasan was residing with her mother and father. No one in the family had alerted police of Hasan’s disappearance for years. Police conducted an extensive search of the Hasan family's former property at 1207 Concession 8 Road West in Flamborough. Cadaver dogs, ground-penetrating radar, police on horseback and a drone have all been used to scour the rural 22-hectare property. A forensic anthropologist was also called in. To date, Hasan has still not been located and foul play is suspected.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Peter Thom of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-2458.

At about 4:40 a.m., on January 1, 2014, HPS Officers and EMS responded to several 911 calls about a shooting near a residence on Sherman near Barton in Hamilton. About 50 to 60 people had been attending an ‘after hours’ party in a residence and a male had reportedly been shot in the back parking lot. Most of the people who had been in attendance fled the scene in order to avoid cooperating with the police. Those that remained included a handful of good Samaritans who were trying to perform first aid, and some people in the building who had been unaware of the situation. Marley Rowe was found to be the shooting victim and was transported to the Hamilton General Hospital by EMS but he was never revived. An extensive and ongoing investigation commenced; police are aware that there were probably several eye-witnesses to this crime, but these people have yet to come forward. Marley was not known to police. He was a hardworking and good natured young man who left behind a young son. This tragedy is also believed to be a case of mistaken identity as an act of retaliation for an earlier incident.

HPS continues to investigate this matter and a reward of $50,000 is available to the person who comes forward with information that leads to an arrest (or arrests).

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Peter Thom of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-2458.

At about 8:15 p.m., on April 6, 2012, the suspect attended an active ‘crack-house’ located on Madison Avenue in central Hamilton. A female came to the door but didn’t recognize the suspect, so he was refused entry. At this juncture, a male came to the door and told the suspect, in no uncertain terms, to leave the property. As this verbal confrontation was occurring Michael Swistak (the victim) arrived by coincidence and inserted himself in the discussion, to the point where he instigated some minor pushing and shoving to underline the fact that the suspect was not welcome there. The suspect left and headed north into the schoolyard of Cathy Weaver School, which is at the northern dead end of Madison Ave. As the suspect left, he was followed by Swistak and the other male, who continued to verbalize their disapproval of the suspect showing up. The suspect warned Swistak and the male to leave him alone and stated “you don’t want none of what I got”. Swistak and the male continued to follow the suspect who turned around, pulled a handgun from his front waistband and fired once at Swistak. The bullet struck Swistak and he fell to the ground; the suspect fled down the alley towards Sanford Ave. Police and EMS responded to a 911 call and Michael Swistak was transported to the Hamilton General Hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Peter Thom of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-2458.

On Thursday December 30, 2010, at 10:46 a.m., Hamilton Police Service received a 911 call from a male at a rural address on Indian Trail in Ancaster. The male reported finding his friend, Audrey Gleave, dead at her residence. HPS and EMS/Fire responded but Audrey had obviously been deceased for some time. Gleave had been a very intelligent but somewhat reclusive retired school teacher. She had a limited circle of friends and her life was a matter of routine. There was no apparent motive for this homicide and it remains unsolved. There is every reason to believe that this murder was carried out by someone who knew Gleave and her routines.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-3829.

On the morning of August 16, 2010, Joseph Melo was discovered deceased inside his business at 1217 Main St. E., Hamilton. Joe operated a commercial pharmacy that distributed to nursing homes and wasn’t open to the public. Joe Melo was a self-made man, operating a number of businesses and investments. As a private investor, Joe had many interests and associates. He was married and had three children; he was known as a devoted family man.

HPS continues to investigate this matter and a reward of $25,000 is available to the person who comes forward with information that leads to an arrest (or arrests).

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact Det. Jason Cattle of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-4167.

On May 24, 2010, at approximately 11:30 a.m., police were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle collision involving an injured person on Craigmiller and Rosslyn Ave in Hamilton. First police on scene discovered a female, later identified as Bonnie Tatti, lying on Rosslyn Ave being tended to by EMS & HFD. It was initially believed that the female had been run over by a vehicle, but then other information came forward indicating that the female had been thrown from a moving vehicle. Witnesses told police that a black GMC Jimmy had been parked on the wrong side of Rosslyn facing the wrong way. Witnesses could not identify the driver of the vehicle, although information was that the vehicle frequented the area prior to this incident. Witnesses heard someone yell ‘Hey!’ just before the black GMC Jimmy sped off, slightly squealing the tires as it left. Witnesses then looked out to the street and saw the victim lying on the roadway. 911 were called.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt. Dave Oleniuk of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-3829.

Just before 3:00 a.m. on December 29, 2007, the body of Rigoberto Mendez was found on the street at Barton and Chestnut in Hamilton. Initially, investigators believed Mr. Mendez may have been a victim of a fail to remain collision. After further investigation, police believe Mr. Mendez was attacked. There is no apparent motive for the attack and his family deserves answers. If you have information in the case, please call S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk at 905-546-3829.

On December 2, 2004 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Hamilton Police responded to an apartment at 226 Rebecca Street in Hamilton. Upon entering the apartment they discovered the body of 79-year-old Thelma Clapham.

Ms. Clapham died as a result of blunt force trauma in her ninth floor apartment, where she had lived alone for the past four years. There was no sign of forced entry to the apartment.

Hamilton Police Service Major Crime Unit is seeking the community’s help in their continuing investigation into the killing of Thelma Clapham. The investigation, which has included police interviewing over a hundred and fifty people and forensic work, has painted part of the picture. Police now have information that a female may have been involved in this crime. Although no weapon has been recovered investigators also believe they know what was used to kill the victim.

Anyone with information on this murder is asked to contact Detective Michelle Moore at 905-546-3843 and Detective Mike McNaughton at 905-546-4123 or call Hamilton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

$5,000 Reward For information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.The identify of any person supplying information shall be treated as strictly confidential.

At 10:45 p.m. on October 21, 2003, Hamilton Police received a 911 call from a male inside a residence located on Maplewood Avenue in Hamilton. There had just been a home invasion by four armed black males. The suspects demanded money and when they didn’t get it, they punched and shot Colin Jardine. Mr. Jardine was a guest who had dropped by to visit the home’s residents. Although the address was targeted, it would appear the victim was not the intended target. Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk at 905-546-3829.

Just before closing time on a Sunday night at 11:00 p.m., on August 2, 2002, a lone male entered the Mr. Sub shop on Concession Street to rob the attendant. The suspect brandished a knife and demanded cash. Unbeknownst to the robber, Ron Crawford was in an alcove of the shop as he had stopped by to visit the attendant (who was also the owner). As the robber approached the owner, Crawford bravely intervened and was stabbed once in the chest by the surprised robber. The suspect then fled to a waiting vehicle empty handed. Police and EMS responded, but Crawford could not be saved. Ronald Crawford was later awarded the Carnegie Medal for Bravery in recognition of his selfless act in coming to the defense of his friend. This investigation remains open.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-3829.

At about 6:30 a.m., on December 3, 2000, HPS and Fire responded to a house fire at a private residence on Pinewarbler Drive, near Limeridge Mall. The fire was extinguished and a subsequent check of the house found the homeowner, Kathryn Dow, dead in her bedroom. Dow was a retired RN from Henderson Hospital. She is survived by a daughter, aged 20, at the time. An examination of the scene revealed that the arson to the home was set after Kathryn was murdered. There is reason to believe that whoever did this was not a stranger; there was no evidence of a break-in or theft. This murder continues to be actively investigated and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-3829.

On March 23, 2000, first responders found a badly beaten Damian Dymitraszcuk in a storage unit at 55 Lancing Drive (near Nebo Rd) in Hamilton. The victim succumbed to his injuries three days later. Investigators discovered Mr. Dymitraszcuk had been guarding a marijuana grow operation which had been set up in the unit. Police believe there are individuals who know who killed Mr. Dymitraszcuk. Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk at 905-546-3829.

Clyde Frost was 80-years-old in January 1999 when he went missing from his Hamilton home, where he lived with his wife Julette Frost and her two daughters. He was last seen on January 23, leaving XXXX. His body was located in Toronto on February 2, 1999, in his Road Trek RV van.

There is no reason for Clyde to have gone missing. It has long been believed that someone who knew him is responsible for this murder.

HPS continues to investigate this matter and a $10,000 reward is available to the person who comes forward with information that leads to an arrest (or arrests).

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact S/Sgt Peter Thom of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-2458.

On November 16, 1998, Lynn and Fred Gilbank were found shot to death in their Ancaster home. Andre Gravelle and Ion (Jonny K-9) Croitoru were arrested for the couple’s murder but the charges were later withdrawn by the Crown Attorney, citing ‘no reasonable prospect of conviction.’ Croitoru later served a prison sentence for conspiracy to commit murder in another incident and has since died.

This case remains open. HPS continues to investigate this matter and a reward of $21,000 is available to the person who comes forward with information that leads to an arrest.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Det. Jason Cattle of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-4167.

On June 25, 1988, Nasir Hirji was found murdered inside his apartment. Mr. Hirji was a single gay man who was known to have many relationships. It would appear that whoever did this had known Nasir and killed him before stealing some of his possessions.

In 1988, many in the LQBTQ community were secretive about their sexual orientation and may have been reluctant to come forward at the time of the murder for a variety of reasons. Investigators hope that changing societal attitudes may prompt someone to come forward with new information.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-3829.

Sheryl Sheppard last spoke to her mother on January 1, 1998. Sheryl and her boyfriend Michael Lavoie had attracted attention locally when he had proposed to her on TV the night before during a New Year’s Eve party at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

Her mother reported her missing after she missed several appointments over the next few days and no one had heard from her. The circumstances were very suspicious and the fear of foul play drove the early part of the investigation. It is believed that Sheryl Sheppard was murdered and her body has never been found.

HPS continues to investigate this matter and a reward of $50,000 is available to the person who comes forward with information that leads to an arrest (or arrests).

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact S/Sgt Peter Thom of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-2458.

In the early morning hours on January 22, 1997, tenants living at 101 West Ave North, in Central Hamilton, heard fellow resident Sean Drennan scream from his 3^rd floor apartment. Tenants heard footsteps on the back staircase just before two neighbours went to check on Mr. Drennan, who was found stabbed to death in his apartment. Investigators learned Mr. Drennan, a McMaster student, may have been involved in low-level marijuana dealing. Regardless, the nature of the dispute or reason for his murder remains a mystery.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-3829.

At 2:00 a.m. on October 19, 1995, Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police and the Hamilton Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed fire in Unit P at 25 Bryna on the Hamilton Mountain. Two of the unit’s tenants had escaped but the owner was found deceased inside. The Ontario Fire Marshall deemed the fire was caused by arson and Ms. Wade was a homicide victim. Ms. Wade was not known to police and there was no apparent motive in this murder.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-3829.

Helen Gillings was 19-years-old at the time of her murder and frequented the area of King Street East and Emerald Street North in Hamilton. She was a sex trade worker working in the area and often attended a former bar called the Straw Hat at the corner of King and Emerald Streets.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 1995, Helen’s body was discovered in an alley behind 483 King Street East. Her body was found a short distance away from Emerald Street North and the former Straw Hat Tavern. Helen had been last seen alive on Thursday, February 16, 1995, at approximately 1:00 a.m. when she left the Straw Hat Tavern and entered the alley with a male. Through extensive police investigation this male has now been identified by police.

Police believe there are people who have information regarding this homicide and that this information may assist in solving this murder. The Hamilton Police Service Board is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Helen’s murder. Anyone with information in encouraged to contact the Major Crime Unit at (905) 546-3801 or Crime Stoppers at (905) 522-TIPS (8477).

On December 2, 1991, Victoria Sicurella was found murdered in her home on Limeridge Road West. She has been out at the grocery store that afternoon and she didn’t pick up her 7-year-old son from school. She was discovered by a friend close to dinnertime. The murder was committed during a short timeframe in the afternoon.

There was no apparent motive in this case (i.e. robbery or sexual assault). Investigators believe those who knew Victoria may have additional information in this case.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-3829.

Profile under construction

Born in Iraq, Maurice Yacoob emigrated to Canada and changed his name to Young. He lived in Toronto, where he owned several stores and properties. In 1987, he was about to close on a property at 1 Duke Street in Hamilton, but the transaction deteriorated and ended up in a lawsuit.

On December 14, 1987, Mr. Young attended one of his businesses on Upper James when he was confronted in the parking lot by a male in his 20s. There was a heated exchange before the male shot Young and fled the scene. Mr. Young was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery. He didn’t recover and ultimately succumbed to his injuries on March 19, 1988.

Mr. Young suffered a series of strokes that affected his memory before his death; however, he indicated he recognized his attacker and believed the shooting was a result of the ongoing lawsuit.

A male was arrested but never charged in the murder. It remains unsolved.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-3829.

On September 1, 1985, Philip Van Impe was driving along Leinster Avenue just after midnight, when his car began to stall so he pulled over to investigate. As he was about to get back in and drive away, he was approached from behind and struck on the head with an unknown object. Mr. Van Impe collapsed on the ground and complied with the male robber’s request for his keys and wallet. He also believed he may have lost consciousness for a few minutes. Initially, the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police investigated the crime as a robbery and stolen car. However, Mr. Impe’s head injury became progressively worse and he was hospitalized. He died as a direct result of his head injury on October 6, 1985.

The suspect is described as male, white, 6’1”, 180 pounds with a medium build. He had short, straight dark hair and was wearing dark clothes and a jacket.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk Major Crime at 905-546-3829.

On the morning of August 25, 1985, Brent Roddick was at his brother’s house on Hamilton’s east mountain. Mr. Roddick and two others noticed that a white Lincoln Continental (later believed to be a 1980-83 Mark VI Signature series with a wheel well cover in the trunk) was circling the house for about an hour. Finally, just after 8 a.m., the dogs inside started barking at someone near the front door. Mr. Roddick went to look outside and was shot as soon as he opened the door. He collapsed and died shortly afterwards. A neighbour saw a male, 6’ tall with dark clothing, running towards a large car which then drove off.

Mr. Roddick had been an active member of the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club. There is no doubt that Mr. Roddick’s murder is somehow connected to rival clubs in Hamilton as there was a ‘biker war’ going on at the time. Michael Carey had been murdered in 1984 at the Red Devil’s club house. An attempted murder on another Satan’s Choice member had also occurred during that same year. In December 1983, a small bomb had been detonated at the Satan’s Choice club house on St Matthews St, Hamilton.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk Major Crime at 905-546-3829.

On May 9, 1984, at about 1:45 a.m., the Red Devils Motorcycle Club clubhouse was sprayed with bullets. The clubhouse was located on Arden Ave on the Beach strip and the shooter had driven up beside it on the QEW. One of the bullets hit Red Devils member Michael Carey and he was killed instantly. Four other members of the club were also inside at the time. Some believed this had been retaliation for a beating laid upon Satan’s Choice MC member Brent Roddick (who was killed in 1985) by Red Devils members a few days before this murder. The murder may also have been in retaliation for a previous incident of disrespect levelled at the Red Devils. Given the association with biker gangs, few individuals at the time were willing to come forward with information.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk in Major Crime at 905-546-3829.

On February 15, 1984, Frank Lightheart and a friend were returning to Mr. Lightheart’s Binbrook residence. Upon arriving at the house, Mr. Lightheart noticed that the curtains were different from the way they had been when he had left the house. He ran into the house thinking someone was stealing his drug stash. His friend heard him yell something inside and then heard shots fired. Another friend then arrived and they both managed to pull safely out of the driveway. They saw a 1977-78 dark blue vehicle leave the property. They backed away and went to the police station to report what they heard. No emergency call was made. Police attended and found Mr. Lightheart dead from several gunshot wounds inside his home. Mr. Lightheart was known to be involved in the drug trade and investigators believe his murder was the result of this association.

Police are well aware of Mr. Lightheart’s associates at the time, with some of them still involved in the drug trade today.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk in Major Crime at 905-546-3829.

Profile currently under construction

At about 9:45 p.m. on May 20, 1982, Allan Kinloch was driving with his friend on York Blvd after exiting the 403 towards Hamilton. Allan was in the front passenger seat when another car pulled up beside them and fired four shots into the car, killing Allan. The large dark green car, with two or three males inside, then did a U-turn and sped off towards Burlington. Allan’s friend sped into Hamilton and flagged down a couple of patrol officers at York and Bay. Allan was rushed to the Hamilton General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a few minutes later. Allan had been a member of the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club and this seemed to be a part of the ‘biker war’ that occurred in Hamilton during the 1980s. It is also a possibility that he was killed in retribution for a dispute within his own gang.

Unfortunately, as in many murders linked to criminal organizations, there were few witnesses willing to cooperate at the time. It is hoped that with the passage of time that people who were originally reluctant to speak with the police will now come forward.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk in Major Crime at 905-546-3829.

On the evening of March 3, 1982, neighbours noticed flames coming from the home of Patricia Paraszczuk. They broke down the doors in an attempt to rescue Patricia but were overcome by the fire. Hamilton Fire Department distinguished the fire and eventually found Patricia’s body. She had been strangled in an apparent attempt to stage the death as a suicide. The house was set on fire afterwards. Patricia was in the midst of a divorce at the time but unfortunately not enough evidence was produced to establish a firm suspect and make an arrest. Patricia was a popular smart young professional nurse who had her whole life ahead of her. Witnesses who were reluctant to come forward or tell the truth at the time are encouraged to do so now.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk in Major Crime at 905-546-3829.

Profile currently under construction

Profile currently under construction

Profile currently under construction

Profile currently under construction

Profile currently under construction

Gail was last seen at about 11 p.m. on September 25, 1973, when she returned home from a local bar with an unknown male. Noises were heard in her apartment around 1 a.m. but no one called police to investigate. Her body was found two days later when she had failed to show up for work. She had moved from New Brunswick the year before and worked at GW Robinsons downtown.

According to the original reward poster, Gail was found to be ‘bludgeoned with a bottle and stabbed with a knife.’ It is believed this was a sexually motivated attack. The original $2,000 reward remains in effect.

Anyone with information about this homicide is being asked to contact S/Sgt Dave Oleniuk in Major Crime at 905-546-3829.

Profile currently under construction. 

Profile currently under construction.