Montreal Authorities Make Arrests

Montreal authorities have made significant strides in their investigation of the tragic fire that erupted on October 4, taking the lives of two French tourists, 43-year-old Léonor Geraudie and her seven-year-old daughter, Vérane Reynaud-Geraudie. The police arrested two suspects aged 18 and 20 in connection with the incident, with one apprehended in the borough of St-Laurent and the other in Mercier—Hochelaga—Maisonneuve.

Details of the Investigation

According to Cmdr. Jean-Sébastien Caron of the major crimes squad, the 20-year-old is believed to have initiated the blaze using an incendiary device, while his 18-year-old accomplice is suspected of driving the getaway vehicle. Although authorities have identified the materials used in the fire, they have chosen not to disclose specific details. Investigators are currently in discussions with Quebec’s prosecution service regarding the potential charges, with the expectation that formal charges will be laid within 24 hours.

Murder Investigation

Since the onset of the investigation, police have treated the case as a murder investigation, although the final decision on charges will rest with the Crown prosecutor. Both suspects are known to law enforcement and have ties to organized crime, raising concerns about a possible connection between the fire and criminal activities. Insp. David Shane indicated that they are still determining a motive for the fire and whether it could indeed be linked to organized crime operations.

Background of the Suspects

Notably, the 20-year-old suspect had a prior criminal record, recently serving a sentence for setting fire to a vehicle belonging to an individual associated with the Montreal Mafia. He was sentenced to over 18 months in prison, though his time served reduced the remaining term to just nine months.

Impact of the Fire

The investigation has engaged the efforts of more than 200 officers since the incident, which turned into a five-alarm fire that engulfed a building containing a restaurant and a 20-room hotel. During the tragic event, 23 people managed to escape, though two remained in critical condition following the fire. Eyewitness accounts and security camera footage portray a figure dressed in black kicking down a door just before the fire broke out, leading to widespread panic and chaos as smoke billowed from the building.

Scrutiny of Émile Benamor

The fate of the building’s owner, prominent Montreal defense lawyer Émile Benamor, draws further scrutiny. He is now under investigation due to connections to multiple incidents, including a prior fire earlier in 2023 that claimed seven lives in one of his properties. In an unsettling series of events, police recently arrested three men following gunfire at another of Benamor's properties. While the motivations behind these incidents remain unclear, investigators stress the complexity of the case as they continue to pursue various leads.

Call for Justice

As the investigation unfolds, Montreal's community and its officials call for justice, deeply affected by the loss suffered in this tragic event.