Janel Hamilton, a 19-year-old woman from Pembroke Pines, FL, tragically lost her life on October 13, 2015. Janel, who had recently moved from London to live with her godmother, was planning to attend law school in January. On the night of her death, she was watching television at home when she was shot by Hashim Pew, the 23-year-old son of her godmother. The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. on North Douglas Road near Taft Street.
According to police reports, Hashim Pew shot Janel Hamilton from behind while she was sitting on the couch. After the initial shot, Pew walked closer and fired again, striking her a second time. Family members, including Kevin Pew and Eric Ortiz, were present at the scene and managed to subdue Hashim Pew, taking the gun away from him. The firearm used in the shooting was a .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun, which had been stolen during a vehicle burglary in central Florida in 2008.
Hashim Pew was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree premeditated murder. He had a prior criminal history, including charges of grand theft auto and misdemeanor weapons possession, but no previous record of violent crimes. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and police have not released any further details regarding the investigation.
Janel Hamilton's death left her family and friends devastated. Her uncle, Winston Hamilton, described her as a brilliant and kind-hearted young woman who was always focused on her studies. Janel's mother, who flew in from the UK, was described as being "out of her mind" with grief. The community mourned the loss of a promising young life cut short by senseless violence.
