Police wonder if 'accosted' man in Al-Hasnawi homicide doesn't want to be found

For the second time in two weeks, Hamilton Police Service has issued a callfor the public's help in identifying the "older" man they say YosifAl-Hasnawiwas trying to help before he was shot.

It's the service'sthirdcall for public assistance, but despite the persistent efforts to identify and find the man, investigators say theman is "not critical" to the case.

"It's an open-end portion of the case," said Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk."So in terms of any leads or any portions of the case that have not been formally cleared or solved, we need to look into (them)."

The man maybe actively avoiding police, saidBereziuk, or won't be able to give much more information.

"Regardless ifthat's the case, Istill want to hear that from him."

While the older man's recollection of events is not crucial to the prosecution of two people who were charged for Al-Hasnawi's death, Bereziuk said he wants to find out what happened to "tie off" the case.

DaleBurningskyKing, a 19-year-old Hamilton man, is charged with second degree murder. He first appeared in court onDec. 8. Another man has been charged with being an accessory after the fact.

Police say Al-Hasnawi was leaving the Al-Mostafa Islamic Centre on Dec. 2 when he saw the older man being accosted by two men. The older man was last seen around Main Street East and Sanford Avenue.

Bereziuk said the public has come forward with "strong tips," but the man has yet to be identified and located.

Police say anyone with information is to contact Det. Doug Jonovich at 905-546-4863.