A 22-year-old Hamilton man is facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing his 16-year-old cousin at a long weekend family gathering, city police said Monday.
Investigators released few details about the deadly incident, which took place on the city’s East Mountain on Sunday evening.
But Hamilton Police Det. Sgt. Sara Beck said the stabbing has left relatives of both victim and suspect alike “devastated.”
“We’ve spoken with them in terms of victim services, and they are just together now supporting each other,” Beck said at an afternoon news conference.
“We’re still looking into what happened in this tragic event and the motive behind what happened,” she added.
Beck said police were first summoned to the home at around 10 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls.
At the home, where Beck said the suspect lived and 12 to 15 relatives had gathered throughout the day, officers found the boy suffering from stab wounds.
She alleged the attack took place inside the house and said an unspecified incident earlier in the day may have played a role in his death, but declined to provide more details.
The boy was taken to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead.
“The family is devastated by their loss and have asked for privacy,” Beck said, noting all relatives have been co-operating with police. “They do not wish to release the name of their son at this time, and we will respect their wishes.”
Beck said the teen’s cousin, 22-year-old Laureano Bistoyong, allegedly fled the home after the stabbing, prompting a police search of the neighbourhood.
Officers did not find him during their initial sweep, but a tip from a community member ultimately helped them locate Bistoyong at around 8:30 a.m. Monday inside an unlocked car a few kilometres from the scene.
Bistoyong, who was not previously known to police, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder. He was set to appear in court on Monday.
The police investigation into the teen’s death continues.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2023.
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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
