A 25-year-old Hamilton man has been arrested and is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with a Mount Hope homicide and abduction investigation.
Detectives updated the episode in which Faqir Ali was abducted and one of his two sons was killed during an attack at a residence on Glancaster Road near Dickenson Road shortly before 3 a.m. on Sept. 16.
Police say two men in their 20s – Ali’s sons – were found at the home suffering from gunshot wounds with Hasnain (Nano) Ali succumbing to his injuries in hospital.
Faqir Ali had been forcibly taken from the residence in a dark SUV following the shooting and “violently assaulted” before he was found near Beach Boulevard not far from the Burlington Lift Bridge.
Antoine Chambers has been accused of Hasnain Ali’s death and faces additional charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and aggravated assault.
He was not previously known to police, and is also facing numerous firearms-related charges.
In an presser on Friday afternoon, Det. Sgt. Steve Berezuik said an armed Chambers was arrested on Sept. 16 and has been in custody ever since.
“We had tremendous information from witnesses from Beach Boulevard that were able to identify the getaway vehicle,” said Berezuik.
“Our investigators located that vehicle on Hamilton Mountain, from there we were able to ultimately stop Antoine Chambers in a car, later that night.”
A handgun was recovered during the arrest but detectives have yet to confirm whether it was used on Sept. 16.
Police are still seeking two other outstanding suspects and confirm money was what the assailants “targeted” in the occurrence.
“The accused was looking for money from Mr. Ali,” Berezuik said.
“I won’t say specifically how much money but a sum was obviously demanded for, and no money has ever been obtained.”
Bereziuk said investigators are aware of a post about an outstanding debt tied to Faqir Ali that accuses him of owing almost $12,000 in damages and legal costs from an unpaid loan agreement.
However, the detective said there was no evidence of a connection.
“At this in point in time there’s nothing to indicate a connection to that post and this crime,” said Berezuik.
Police say both Ali and his surviving son have been released from hospital and family members have been cooperating with the investigation.
Chambers is expected to be in court for a brief appearance on Oct. 13.