Police identify engaged couple shot dead after dispute with landlord near Hamilton
Hamilton police have identified the couple allegedly shot and killed by their landlord at their Stoney Creek residence last weekend.
On Tuesday, police said 27-year-old Carissa MacDonald of Stoney Creek and 28-year-old Aaron Stone of Hamilton were the victims of the May 27 shooting, which allegedly stemmed from a dispute with their landlord.
MacDonald and Stone were fatally shot outside as they were fleeing the home in the area of Jones Road and Barton Street, police said.
"The families of both victims are requesting privacy at this time," Hamilton police said in a release on Tuesday.
27-year-old Carissa MacDonald (left) and 28-year-old Aaron Stone of Hamilton have been identified as the victims of a deadly shooting in Stoney Creek, Ont. (Hamilton Police Service)
Few details have been released about the alleged dispute between the landlord and the couple, who lived in the residence’s basement, but police had said that the victims were "truly innocent."
MacDonald was an education assistant for the Catholic school board in Brant County, while Stone was an electrician in Hamilton.
"As you can well imagine, these are not people that this should happen to. They're not involved in any level of criminality or lifestyle that may lead to an incident like this," said Detective Sergeant Steve Bereziuk on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the landlord, a 57-year-old man, was fatally shot by police during an exchange of gunfire, concluding an hours-long standoff on Saturday evening that began after he barricaded himself inside the home.
Police and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) have not released the man's name. The SIU said the family requested that he not be identified.
However, property records obtained by CTV News Toronto reveal the home has been owned by Terry Brekka since 2003. A family member on Monday said Brekka was a steelworker who was estranged from some relatives and wasn't known to have guns.
27-year-old Carissa MacDonald (left) and 28-year-old Aaron Stone of Hamilton have been identified as the victims of a deadly shooting in Stoney Creek, Ont. (Hamilton Police Service)
A post-mortem examination was conducted on the man on Tuesday, the SIU said in an update.
The agency, which is investigating the interaction between the man and Hamilton police, also said that investigators had collected five firearms and one police-issued firearm from the home.
All six firearms will be sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for examination. Investigators also retrieved video footage, the SIU said, adding that the scene is still being held.
"A canvass of the area in an attempt to locate evidence and potential witnesses is ongoing," the agency said.
There are six investigators and four forensic investigators designated to the case as well as one subject official and seven witness officials.
The SIU, which investigates conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person, is urging anyone who may have information to contact investigators at 1-800-787-8529 or https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.
- with files from Joanna Lavoie and Hannah Alberga
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.