A man accused of murdering 45-year-old Leila Ben Salem in Montreal has died in custody following an alleged suicide attempt, bringing the criminal proceedings to an end before the case could go to trial.
Youssef Moussaoui, 33, was reportedly transferred to hospital on October 22 after allegedly attempting to take his own life in jail, approximately one week after his arrest. He later died.
The Montreal Coroner’s Office confirmed that it was notified of Moussaoui’s death on November 2. Coroner André Jean-Luc is investigating the circumstances and cause of death.
The office said no further details would be released until the investigation is complete. Coroner investigations remain confidential, although a final report will be made public once it has been completed.
Bail Denied After Arrest, Suspect Dies Before Trial
Montreal police arrested Moussaoui on October 15 in the city’s Ville-Marie borough. He was charged in connection with the murder of Ben Salem.
Following opposition from prosecutors, the court denied his bail, and he was held at Bordeaux Jail while awaiting trial.
However, his death means the case cannot proceed to a full criminal trial. Montreal police have confirmed that the criminal proceedings have ended without a trial following the accused’s death.
Woman Killed During Video Call From Her Home Office
Leila Ben Salem, 45, was murdered on September 22 while participating in a video call from her home as part of her professional work.
At approximately 3:25 p.m. that day, Montreal police were called to her residential building near René-Lévesque Boulevard and Saint-Christophe Street in downtown Montreal.
After an initial investigation, police classified the incident as a homicide and launched a search for the suspect. Moussaoui was subsequently arrested on October 15.
Financial Dispute and Money Transfers Part of Investigation
Montreal police said their investigation revealed that Moussaoui had previously worked at Ben Salem’s home, during which the two had developed a relationship of trust.
According to police, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that Moussaoui was experiencing financial difficulties and owed a substantial amount of money that Ben Salem had previously lent him.
Investigators also found evidence of financial transactions involving Ben Salem’s accounts after her death. These transactions were included in the police investigation.
However, the precise motive behind the killing was never conclusively established. With the accused now deceased, several important questions surrounding the case remain unanswered.
Police Express Sympathy for Victim’s Family
Montreal police said the suspect’s death means Ben Salem’s family will not have the opportunity to see the case resolved through a criminal trial, adding to an already painful situation.
Police expressed their sympathy to the victim’s family and loved ones, saying they understood the grief and distress caused by these circumstances.
Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre Previously Offered Condolences
Following Ben Salem’s murder in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre also expressed their condolences to her family, colleagues and loved ones in Parliament.
Carney specifically highlighted that Ben Salem had been targeted while carrying out her professional responsibilities.
The suspect’s death has brought the murder case to an unusual conclusion before a trial could take place. Questions surrounding the motive and financial transactions involving the victim’s accounts remain part of the investigative record.
