Man, 67, critically injured in downtown Hamilton assault dies

Jerzy Nataluk, 67, died after being assaulted in downtown Hamilton on Jan. 20, 2026. (Hamilton Police Service)

A 67-year-old man critically injured in an assault in downtown Hamilton has died in hospital, police say.

In a news release, Hamilton police said Jerzy Nataluk died on Wednesday, a day after he was punched in Jackson Square.

Nataluk was found by security unconscious and suffering from head injuries. He was taken to the hospital, where he was intubated, police said.

Soon after, officers located the suspect, 48-year-old Gerald Deschamps of no fixed address.

The aggravated assault charge laid against him has been upgraded to manslaughter, police said on Friday. He was also charged with failing to comply with probation.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to call homicide detectives at 905-546-2458 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).