Police declare 17-year-old wanted in fatal shooting of Ghanaian in Canada

Canadian law enforcement authorities have identified a prime suspect in the fatal shooting of Ghanaian international student, Belinda Sarkodie.

The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Mackale Lavoie, is currently the subject of a police manhunt, with an arrest warrant already issued.

According to police authorities, he faces one count of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

In a police statement dated July 13, 2025, authorities confirmed that the deceased, Belinda Sarkodie, was an innocent bystander who tragically got caught in the crossfire, resulting in her death.

“The male suspect opened fire, striking one of the individuals.

“As he continued to shoot at a second person, an innocent bystander — 26-year-old Belinda Sarkodie — was fatally struck,” it said.

The suspect reportedly opened fire on a group of three individuals, believed to be his intended targets, near King Street East and James Street North on Friday.

During the shooting, Sarkodie, a 26-year-old student who immigrated to Canada from Ghana in 2024, was struck by gunfire.

Despite efforts by emergency services to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

MAG/AE

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