The three-year-old toddler who was allegedly fatally shot in Bois-des-Fillion on Monday was visiting family members when the tragedy occurred.
• Also read: Bois-des-Filion: Three young people arrested over the shooting death of a three-year-old boy
• Also read: Police operation after the death of a child in Bois-des-Fil
Almost 24 hours after the events, the circumstances that led to the boy’s death remained a mystery. The crime scene on 34th Avenue was maintained throughout the day so that investigators, forensic identification and technicians from the Forensic Science and Forensic Medicine Laboratory could collect all evidence.
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No trace of the murder weapon
Furthermore, according to our sources, the murder weapon has not been found. At least one suspect is said to have tried to get rid of it. A large police operation was also observed near the Mille-Îles river, which borders the residential area. Dog handlers combed the area, investigators searched all residents’ trash and divers from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) explored the river.
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Three young people, ages 17 and 19, were arrested shortly after the tragedy and interviewed by Terrebonne police investigators. Elements that emerged during the meetings with the suspects led to the case being handed over to the SQ’s Personal Crimes Unit in the afternoon.
One of them must appear at the Laval courthouse in the afternoon. The other two suspects have been released for the time being.
Police are analyzing the crime scene where a three-year-old boy was accidentally killed by a firearm projectile in a residence on 34th Avenue in Bois-des-Filion. MAXIME DELAND/AGENCE QMI
A daycare center nearby
The event was like a bombshell in this small, otherwise quiet family neighborhood. The numerous police vehicles contrasted with the decorations while we could hear the elementary school bell ringing and the laughter of the children having fun at recess.
Residents were further stunned that such a tragedy could have occurred in this home, where the owners are portrayed as friendly, calm and respectful people.
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“I often ran into them because my children’s ball was collected in their backyard, and they were always very nice. I don’t understand why there was a gun in this house, with these people it doesn’t make sense,” said Cheikh Moctar Bar, a neighbor.
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Another local resident who knows the family well was also in shock, especially since she runs a family day care center just a stone’s throw from the crime scene.
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“Of course I thought about it, if there had been a stray bullet it could have reached my house. “I was here with the children when it happened,” said the woman, who preferred not to give her name.
– With Francis Pilon, Journal de Montréal
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