The True Post (Web News) | MUHAMMAD AMANULLAH | October 16, 2026
A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a 45-year-old woman who was found dead inside her apartment in Montreal, Canada.
The victim, identified as Leila Ben Salem, was discovered at her apartment in the city’s central area last month. At the time of the incident, she was reportedly on an online video call with an acquaintance.
According to the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), Youssef Moussaoui was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon in the city’s Ville-Marie borough. He was expected to appear in a Montreal court on Friday, where he could face a first-degree murder charge.
Woman Found Dead Inside Montreal Apartment
Police said Leila Ben Salem was found unresponsive on September 22 in an apartment on Saint-Christophe Street, near René-Lévesque Boulevard in Montreal.
Authorities received a request to check on her well-being at approximately 3:25 p.m. local time that day.
Officers and emergency personnel responded to the location, where the woman was found unresponsive. She was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the discovery, police launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and identify the person responsible.
Investigators collected evidence and pursued leads as part of the inquiry. Their investigation ultimately led to the arrest of Youssef Moussaoui on Thursday.
Authorities said the legal proceedings would continue following the suspect’s court appearance.
Suspect Expected to Face First-Degree Murder Charge
According to the Montreal Police Service, the 33-year-old suspect was arrested in the Ville-Marie area on Thursday afternoon.
He was expected to appear before a Montreal court on Friday, where prosecutors could bring a first-degree murder charge against him.
The case is now moving into the judicial process, where further details about the allegations and evidence may emerge.
An arrest does not establish guilt, and the allegations must be addressed through the legal process.
Police have not released complete details about the alleged motive or the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Police Say Case Is Not Related to Intimate Partner Violence
Montreal police have clarified that the incident does not fall under the category of intimate partner violence.
However, authorities have not publicly provided comprehensive information about the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, the relationship between the victim and the suspect, or the possible motive.
Investigators are continuing to examine the case, and additional information may become available as the proceedings advance through the courts.
Police have indicated that details concerning the alleged motive and evidence may emerge during the judicial process.
Montreal Records Its 19th Homicide of the Year
According to the Montreal Police Service, the incident marked the 19th homicide within its jurisdiction during 2026.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have information relevant to the investigation and have not yet spoken to authorities to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact emergency services at 911 when appropriate or reach out to their local police station.
Authorities also offer options for providing information confidentially or anonymously.
Investigation Continues Following Arrest
The arrest of the 33-year-old suspect marks a significant development in the investigation into Leila Ben Salem’s death.
However, important questions surrounding the case, including the alleged motive and the full circumstances of the incident, remain unanswered in the information released so far.
Police have indicated that further details may become available as the case proceeds through the courts.
The investigation and upcoming legal proceedings are expected to play a central role in establishing the facts surrounding the woman’s death.
