Harsimrat Randhawa ‘had no time at all to react’ to stray bullet that killed her, police say
Hamilton police announced that they have successfully recovered the two vehicles connected to the tragic shooting death of 21-year-old international student Harsimrat Randhawa on April 17. Acting Det.-Sgt Daryl Reid disclosed at a press conference on Wednesday that the white Hyundai Elantra was located in a residential area in northwestern Toronto on Sunday. The vehicle has been transported back to Hamilton for forensic analysis. Additionally, on Monday, the black Mercedes SUV was retrieved from a central Hamilton residence.
According to Reid, the white Hyundai Elantra is believed to be the target vehicle in the shooting incident where shots were fired at Randhawa. The young student, who was pursuing a degree in occupational physiotherapy at Mohawk College, was tragically hit in the chest by a stray bullet near Upper James Street and South Bend Road. Fortunately, the bullets also struck two nearby homes, but thankfully, no residents were harmed.
Reid emphasized that investigators are diligently narrowing down the individuals associated with the two recovered vehicles and are committed to leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice. He urged anyone involved in the shooting to seek legal counsel and surrender themselves to the authorities.
In a heartbreaking revelation, Reid disclosed that Randhawa had just left a gym in the upper area of Hamilton and was waiting to cross the street when she was fatally shot. He explained that the sequence of events unfolded rapidly, leaving Randhawa with no opportunity to evade the tragic fate that befell her.
Video footage collected by investigators revealed a significant amount of traffic passing through the area at the time of the shooting. Reid expressed gratitude to those who have come forward with information and appealed to others who may possess vital details to assist in piecing together the puzzle of the incident.
Following the devastating loss of Randhawa, a vigil was organized in Hamilton on Sunday to commemorate her life. Mayor Andrea Horwath addressed the attendees, advocating for stronger measures to combat gun violence in the city. She condemned the senseless act that claimed Randhawa’s life, labeling it as shocking and unacceptable.
Horwath echoed the sentiments of the community, expressing deep sorrow for Randhawa, her family, and the entire school community. She emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The president of Mohawk College, Paul Armstrong, also spoke at the vigil, acknowledging the profound impact of Randhawa’s untimely death on the campus community. He described the prevailing sense of disbelief, shock, and concern for safety among faculty, students, and community members in the aftermath of the tragedy.
