The first killing in Charlemagne in June seems to have been a case of mistaken identity, while the second in downtown Montreal two months later saw the intended target killed, investigators say.
Montreal police on Wednesday announced they had arrested four men in connection with two murders committed in the summer of 2023.
The arrests were conducted Wednesday morning and were part of a joint investigation with the Sûreté du Québec.
The second killing occurred on Aug. 7, 2023 about 3:30 a.m. on Ste-Catherine St. near Guy St., where a 28-year-old man was found lying on the ground and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Montreal police and the SQ believe he was the person being sought by gunmen who opened fire in June in Charlemagne.
Two of the suspects arrested Wednesday morning are ages 25 and 28 and are already in jail for other crimes. One is being held at the provincial jail in Rivière-des-Prairies while the second is in the federal penitentiary at Donnacona. Their two alleged accomplices are ages 24 and 32. One was arrested in Terrebonne while the other was taken into custody in Edmonton, Alta.
Police allege the four are linked to criminal gangs operating in the Montreal area.
The suspects are expected to appear in court via video-conference to face charges of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Anyone with any information that could further the investigation is urged to call 911, contact their local police, call the SQ’s criminal information line at 1-800-659-4264 or call Info-Crime Montreal at 514-393-1133.