Court date set for man charged with second degree murder in fatal Kitchener shooting

A wanted man has formally been charged with second degree murder after a fatal Kitchener shooting last August.

Habiton Solomon was arrested by Hamilton Police last week as officers investigated a July 22 shooting at a parking lot at King Street West and Caroline Street North in Hamilton. At the time, Solomon was also wanted on a Canada-wide warrant related to the death of 18-year-old Joshua Tarnue. Hamilton Police weren’t initially aware that Solomon was wanted for the killing at the time of his arrest.

Solomon has been in Hamilton Police custody since his arrest, but Waterloo regional police officially charged him with second-degree murder on Tuesday.

MORE: Tarnue's family reacts to Solomon's arrest

He is due to appear in a Kitchener courtroom on June 19.

Timeline of the shooting and arrests

July 22, 2023

In Hamilton, police are called to break up a fight between multiple people in a parking lot at King Street West and Caroline Street North. They discover evidence of a shooting, but no injuries are reported.

Aug. 13, 2023

Joshua Tarnue is shot in a parking lot near Queen and Charles streets in downtown Kitchener. Video from what appears to be a security camera in the area, shows the moments leading up to and after the shooting. In it, Tarnue can be seen walking towards the suspect with his head down. As he tries to pass, the suspect grabs Tarnue and a struggle ensues. Tarnue ends up on the ground and that’s when the suspect shoots him. Some bystanders flee the area while others try to help Tarnue.

The 18-year-old is later pronounced dead in hospital.

Aug. 23, 2023

Police release video of the suspect, who they said drove over to the area on a white motorized schooter.

Sept. 27, 2023

Police arrest a 19-year-old Hamilton man, who has not been publicly identified. He’s been charged with manslaughter in Tarnue’s death.

Sept. 28, 2023

A Canada-wide arrest warrant is issued for Habiton Solomon. The 20-year-old Hamilton man is wanted for second-degree murder.

Oct. 5, 2023

A 25-year-old from Hamilton, who has not been identified, is charged with manslaughter in Tarnue’s death.

April 2024

Solomon is added to the Bolo Program’s top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada.

A $50,000 reward is offered for information that leads to his arrest.

May 31, 2024

Officers arrest Solomon in Hamilton’s downtown core.

He’s wanted in connection to the July 22, 2023 shooting in Hamilton. He’s charged with: discharging a firearm with intent, possession of a prohibited loaded firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and reckless discharge of a firearm.

Once in police custody, they inform Waterloo Regional Police of his capture.

June 4, 2024

Waterloo Regional Police officially charge Solomon with second-degree murder in the death of Tarnue.

He’s set to appear in a Kitchener court on June 19.