Hamilton Police have assigned the Homicide Unit to investigate a double homicide that occurred at 191 Candlewood Drive.
Investigators are still in the early stages of the inquiry, working to determine the circumstances that led to the shootings.
Preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been retaliation for a prior disturbance involving bear spray near Barton Street and Centennial Parkway.
Officials believe the same individual involved in the bear spray incident was also present at the later shooting.
Multiple firearms were used, and at least six people are thought to have been in the area during the exchange of gunfire.
Police say the residence on Candlewood was a targeted location; someone there was likely targeted in connection with the earlier disturbance, though the victims were not the intended targets.
It remains unclear whether the homicide victims were in the house when the group arrived or if one of them joined the group.
A vehicle was towed from the scene, and investigators suspect it may have been used by one of the individuals involved in the shootout.
No arrests have been made and no suspect descriptions have been released.
The families of the victims are devastated and have requested privacy during this difficult time.
Police encourage anyone who may have been involved to seek legal counsel and contact authorities to turn themselves in.
Information that could assist the investigation, including security camera, cellphone or dash‑cam footage, can be reported by calling 905‑546‑3825 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS.
