Tragedy struck the serene neighborhood of Lachine, Montreal, as the lifeless bodies of a 56-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter were discovered in their home on Thursday morning. Shortly after this horrifying find, the attention of law enforcement was drawn to the nearby waters of the Lachine Canal, where the body of a man was spotted by passersby near the old Lachine Marina, at the confluence of the canal and the St. Lawrence River.
While it remains too early to establish a definite link between the man’s body and the double homicide, police conducted marine searches in the area, given the discovery of the family’s vehicle in a parking lot on du Musee Street, near the waterfront. The family’s car being found in close proximity to the scene of the crime raised suspicion and prompted investigators to explore any potential connections.
The shocking discovery of the deceased mother and daughter came to light after concerned relatives made a distressing call to the police at around 12:15 a.m., reporting multiple missing family members. Authorities responded promptly and arrived at the residence on Terrasse J.-S.-Aimé-Ashby, situated along the border of Renaissance Park. Tragically, upon arrival, they found the lifeless bodies of the mother and her 12-year-old daughter.
According to Montreal police spokesperson Mariane Allaire Morin, the deaths of the mother and daughter were confirmed on-site. Forensic investigators are diligently working to determine the precise time of their deaths, aiming to unravel the timeline of events leading up to the tragic incident.
Police have disclosed the existence of at least one suspect in connection with the case and are additionally seeking a crucial “important witness” to aid in their investigation.
As authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding this harrowing event, the discovery of the family’s vehicle near the Lachine Canal added another layer of complexity. The investigation team is examining the vehicle closely and exploring potential leads in hopes of discovering more information. Surveillance camera footage and accounts from witnesses are being sought to shed light on the puzzling situation.
The devastating news of this violent tragedy has left the close-knit Lachine community in shock. Longtime residents expressed their disbelief and sorrow at such an unthinkable event unfolding in their peaceful neighborhood. Residents emphasized that the area has always been characterized by tranquility, family-friendliness, and a sense of safety.
As the community grapples with this heart-wrenching loss, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. The deaths of the mother and daughter mark the 17th and 18th homicides on the Island of Montreal in 2023, contributing to a particularly violent week in the city. With four homicides occurring since Monday alone, Montreal faces a pressing challenge in addressing and curbing the surge in violence within its precincts.