Cops release photo of man who was 'accosted' before Al-Hasnawi slaying

Hamilton police say they have tracked down security camera footage of the man who was being accosted by two men prior to Yosif Al-Hasnawi intervening. Now, they are asking for the public's help in identifying him.

Investigators have been trying to speak with the man since Al-Hasnawi, 19, was shot to death while trying to help him out of a confrontation with two younger men earlier this month.

Police released a photo Tuesday afternoon of the man, who they say was being "verbally" accosted before Al-Hasnawi stepped in. The man was last seen on Dec. 2, just before the shooting in the area of Main Street East and Sanford Avenue.

Hamilton police have arrested two men in connection with the incident. Dale Burningsky King, 19, is facing charges of second-degree murder, while a second man faces charges of being an accessory after the fact.

Police originally said that a 55-year-old Hagersville woman was also being charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder, but in Tuesday's news release, investigators said that "based on evidence," they are satisfied the woman did not commit an offence.

"The woman was cooperative with investigators and she was subsequently released unconditionally," the news release reads. "This woman's name will not be released."

The Al-Mostafa Islamic Centre held a packed public memorial last Saturday for Al-Hasnawi at Hamlton city hall.

The province and city are investigating the actions of paramedics who answered the 911 call for help after Al-Hasnawiwas shot. Witnesses say paramedics allegedly told him that he was actingand that he was shot by a pellet gun.

The paramedics are also being criticized for the length of time it took them to bring Al-Hasnawi to hospital.