Three people from the same family were found dead in a dwelling in the Rosemont district on Friday morning after being stabbed. The main suspect arrested by the police, a 19-year-old young man, is also a relative of the victims and is said to be dealing with mental health issues.
An initial call was first made to 911 around 9:20 a.m. Friday, concerning unresponsive people in an apartment on rue Bélanger. Once at the scene, the police located three victims. “We are talking about three suspicious deaths and bodies that show signs of violence,” briefly mentioned agent Julien Lévesque, spokesperson for the SPVM, in a press briefing.
Arthur Galarneau, a 19-year-old man deemed “suspicious” was arrested not far from the scene. A police intervention had to take place before his arrest, the individual having in particular had to be controlled using cayenne pepper. The young man should be met by investigators soon.
In a video circulating extensively on social media, the suspect can be seen handcuffed to the ground as officers enter the home. Officially, the police are not yet talking about a triple murder, even if it looks like it. The death of the victims was allegedly caused by a “sharp object”, however confirmed Mr. Lévesque.
According to our information, the young man was known and followed in connection with problems of consumption and mental health. On Instagram, five weeks ago, however, he claimed to have “completely changed [his] lifestyle. I quit weed. I’m going to do strength training with a trainer for six months. I speed skate now. Really, my life has changed. It’s switching right now, it’s really fun,” he said in a video.
“I feel really happy, but the problem is that I can’t feel it because the last two years have been really tough and I’ve been through a lot of bullshit. It means that there feeling to be happy, it’s like a step into the void. I don’t know, it’s still scary to become happy again, ”added the young man.
Also according to our information, several patrol officers and employees of the 911 central had to be taken care of in the wake of the event, which was incredibly violent. Note: The scene took place right in front of the Montreal Heart Institute. A large security perimeter has been set up on Bélanger Street, between Viau Street and 40th Avenue. Several paramedics were also called to the scene.
An SPVM command post was also sent to the scene. Several citizens crowded around the security perimeter early in the day. “We’re in a peaceful neighborhood here. It gets worrying. It’s people who have the lowest morale. It would take follow-up,” explained Richard Frigon, who has lived in the area for several years.
“It’s appalling. Every person experiences difficulties in 2023. Life is not rosy for anyone. But not everyone is able to come to their senses, ”said Diane Émond, also a resident of the neighborhood who was in shock.
“After Amqui this week […] let’s say that times are tough on feelings. I have many thoughts for the neighbors. Here, it’s a relatively quiet neighborhood, a place where it’s generally good to live, ”explained the deputy for Rosemont, Vincent Marissal, met on the spot.
He says he spoke with the Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, a little earlier. “There’s a pretty scary level of violence, there’s distress. There are people who suffer a lot. Do these people have the mental health resources? asked Mr. Marissal. “We can’t deny that we have a damn problem with violence in Quebec. It often affects men who seem to have a lot of difficulty dealing with this violence that they have in them,” he added.
Elsewhere on the political scene, the reactions were quick on Friday. Prime Minister François Legault, who was in Amqui on Thursday to provide support following a ram truck attack, said he was monitoring the situation very closely. “Three lives were taken this morning at Rosemont. It’s awful. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims affected by this tragedy,” he wrote.
“I am appalled and in shock at this brutal attack. […] We continue to monitor the situation and hope that the toll will not worsen. With all my heart with those affected,” said Liberal Leader Marc Tanguay.
In the PQ ranks, leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon went in the same direction. “We must act in the face of the increase in violence in our society, whatever the source,” he also hammered.
The mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, also reacted quickly. “I have a thought for the three people who died in horrible circumstances in Rosemont. My condolences to their loved ones,” she said on social media.
Note that a large police intervention was still underway in the afternoon, at the corner of Bélanger and Viau streets. The Major Crimes Section of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) was responsible for conducting the investigation in this case.
