Hamilton Police continue to investigate the shooting at Urban Lounge on Barton Street East that left two people dead and two others with serious injuries. Autopsies on the two victims are being conducted this morning.

The victims have been identified as 39-year-old Jahmal Thomas of Brantford and 25-year-old Rhonda Homsombath of Hamilton. A photo of Jahmal has been attached at the request of his family. Both families are asking for privacy at this time. Police have not been able to establish a relationship between any of the victims.

On March 8, 2020, shortly after 5:00 a.m., Hamilton Police received reports of a shooting at Urban Lounge, located in the basement behind Sam’s Tavern on Barton Street East in Hamilton. Police arrived to find three males and one female suffering from gunshot injuries. The four were transported to hospital by Hamilton Paramedics. Jahmal Thomas was pronounced at the hospital and Rhonda Homsombath succumbed to her injuries shortly after 8:00 a.m. A 38-year-old male and a 29-year-old male are recovering in hospital.

Police understand the individuals had attended a memorial celebration for murder victim Carel Douse at the Zen Lounge on John St. South earlier in the evening. Douse was murdered on May 18, 2019, at a residence on East Avenue North in Hamilton. After the Zen Lounge closed, the celebration moved to Urban Lounge on Barton Street East. Shortly after 5:00 a.m., a male entered the establishment and fired multiple shots, striking the four individuals. Police continue to search for a motive behind the shootings.

The suspect is described as follows:

• Male, black, dark skin
• Thin build
• Possibly in his early 30s
• Approximately 5’10
• Believed to have short braids
• Wearing dark jeans or pants and a track suit-style zip up jacket

The suspect fled in an unknown direction.

Police will be at the scene for the remainder of the day. Police continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward and share what they saw. If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime, you are asked to contact Detective Daryl Reid at 905-546-3825.

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