Woman shot, killed by godmother's son in Pembroke Pines

Janel Hamilton, 19, had planned on studying law

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A man is in custody after he shot and killed his mother's goddaughter Tuesday night in Pembroke Pines, police said.

Family members said Janel Hamilton, 19, was watching TV at home when she was shot by Hashim Pew.

Pew, 23, is the son of Hamilton's godmother.

The shooting happened just after 10 p.m. Tuesday on North Douglas Road near Taft Street. Police said they arrived at the home and found the victim inside.

Police said two men, Kevin Pew and Eric Ortiz, were holding the suspect down on the floor and said Kevin Pew had taken the gun away from Hashim Pew.

According to an arrest report, the suspect was sitting on a bar stool at a table behind where Hamilton was sitting. Police said someone who was sitting on the couch with Hamilton got up to grab a blanket and that's when they heard a gunshot.

Police said Hashim Pew shot Hamilton once from behind and then walked closer to her, striking her again.

Kevin Pew tackled Hashim Pew to the floor at which time Hashim stated, 'She's dead as f--- dawg,' the report said.

"Words cannot explain. She was such a nice girl," Hamilton's uncle, Winston Hamilton, said. "Very brilliant and always in school. I don't know what happened."

Hamilton was from London and had planned on attending Kennesaw State University in January. Before beginning her studies, she was working at the Macy's department store in the Pembroke Lakes Mall.

"She was not just beautiful in mind and body," Hamilton's relative, Verion Mcgann, said. "She loved people. She was so intelligent."

Hamilton would have turned 20 on Halloween.

Police said a .45 caliber semiautomatic firearm used in the shooting was recovered, and said the gun was stolen during a vehicle burglary in central Florida in 2008.

Police have not released a motive for the shooting.

Pew has a former arrest history, which includes a grand theft auto and misdemeanor weapons charge.

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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.