The victim of a stabbing in Hamilton last week has succumbed to his injuries in hospital resulting in the charges against his suspected attacker being upgraded to second-degree murder.
Venanzio “Vinny” Tirabassi, 47, was attacked near The Good Shepherd Centre, a service centre and emergency shelter, at 135 Mary St. on Jan. 2. According to Hamilton Police, Tirabassi was involved in an altercation around 7 p.m.
When officers responded to the scene they found Tirabassi with a severe stab wound to the chest. Paramedics rushed him to a local hospital for “life-saving” surgery. As of Jan. 3, Tirabassi remained in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Fredeman Renderos, 53, was arrested at the scene of the attack and charged with aggravated assault. His name was not immediately released.
On Jan. 8, police confirmed Tirabassi died of his wounds the day before. After his death, the Homicide Unit took over the investigation. They will upgrade Renderos’s charge to second-degree murder. Police are not looking for any other suspect and believe the attack was an isolated incident.
They further confirmed that Tirabassi and Renderos shared a dorm in the shelter but report no incidents between the pair prior to Thursday’s attack.
Though investigators processed the scene last week, police will still be canvassing the area for the next few days to speak with witnesses and residents.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Vinny’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” police said.
Anyone with information can call police at 905-546-4067 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).