A 32-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old international student from India, in Hamilton, Canada. Jerdaine Foster was arrested in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Tuesday and is also facing three counts of attempted murder.
The tragic incident occurred on April 17 when Randhawa was standing near a bus stop at the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road. She was struck by a stray bullet and later died in the hospital from her injuries. Police have described Randhawa as an "innocent bystander" who was caught in a senseless act of violence.
Acting Det.-Sgt. Daryl Reid stated in a news conference on Thursday that Foster was arrested in connection to the shooting. Chief Frank Bergen described the incident, along with another recent shooting, as "selfish, dangerous and the byproduct of criminal entitlement". In July, 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie was also killed while waiting at a bus stop near James Street North and King Street West. Police have issued a warrant for a 17-year-old suspect in that case.
The arrest brings some measure of closure to the case, which has sparked outrage and grief in the community. The investigation is still ongoing. This incident has amplified concerns about gun violence and public safety in the region.
