Leïla Ben Salem, a 45-year-old Tunisian woman and mother of a 12-year-old son, was found dead in her Montreal condominium on September 22. The incident occurred at approximately 3:25 pm while she was participating in a professional training session via videoconference with a colleague from the Canada Revenue Agency. According to Quebec media reports, an intruder entered her residence and violently struck her multiple times in the head with a blunt object.
The colleague, who witnessed part of the scene remotely, quickly alerted emergency services to check on the victim's well-being. Upon arrival, police and paramedics found Leïla Ben Salem unconscious in her apartment. Despite on-site resuscitation efforts, her death was confirmed. The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) later confirmed that it was a homicide, the 19th recorded in Montreal since the beginning of the year.
A significant police operation was conducted in the building and its surroundings, with a security perimeter and command post established as police actively searched for the suspect. No arrests had been made as of the following morning. According to available information, a young man recently arrested in Montreal for assaulting peace officers could be the prime suspect. He had been released under certain conditions, including a ban on possessing a weapon.
Although investigators have not officially confirmed his identity or established a public link to the victim, the possibility of a domestic-related murder has not been ruled out. Leïla Ben Salem had been separated from her husband since 2023, and a divorce procedure was underway. She had recently purchased the condominium in June and had moved in. Originally from Tunisia, she had left the country in January 2013.
The victim's family, including her sister living in Tunisia, expressed their deep shock after the sudden disappearance, describing Leïla as a generous and well-liked person. The investigation, led by the SPVM's Major Crimes Section, continues to determine the exact circumstances of the murder and identify the responsible individual.
The Montreal Police Service is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The SPVM's Major Crimes Section is working to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The police operation involved multiple units, including forensic experts and detectives.
The community is in shock over the violent murder, and support services are being offered to the victim's family and friends. The investigation is ongoing, and police are following several leads to apprehend the suspect.
Key points
- The victim, Leïla Ben Salem, was a 45-year-old Tunisian woman who had been living in Montreal.
- The incident occurred while she was participating in a virtual meeting with a colleague.
- The police are investigating the case as a homicide and are searching for a suspect.
