Two men, Justin Fortier-Trahan and Juventino Hernandez Pelaez, have been charged with second-degree murder and arson after a fire broke out in an Old Montreal building, resulting in the deaths of a mother and daughter from France. The victims, Léonor Geraudie and her seven-year-old daughter Vérane Reynaud Geraudie, were in the building when the fire occurred on October 4th. The two men are also facing charges of arson causing bodily harm in connection to another man, as well as recklessly endangering life by damaging a property through fire or explosion. Montreal police suspect Fortier-Trahan of throwing an incendiary device into the building, while Hernandez Pelaez is believed to have been the driver of the getaway car.
This tragic incident marks the second deadly blaze in Old Montreal in less than two years, following a fire in March 2023 that claimed the lives of seven individuals in a building used for short-term rentals. Both buildings involved in the fires are owned by Emile Benamor, who also owns a third building in the neighborhood that was targeted by gunfire earlier in the week. The connection between these incidents and the properties owned by Benamor is currently under investigation, raising questions about safety and security in the area.
The deaths of Léonor Geraudie and her daughter have sent shockwaves through the community, as residents come to terms with the senseless tragedy. The impact of the fire goes beyond the loss of life, as it has also raised concerns about the safety of buildings in Old Montreal and the potential risks posed by arson and other forms of violence. Authorities are working to determine the motives behind the fire and the actions of the two men charged with murder and arson, in an effort to provide justice for the victims and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Emile Benamor, the owner of the buildings involved in the fires, is likely facing scrutiny over the safety and security measures in place at his properties. The consecutive incidents have raised questions about his management of the buildings and whether he had taken appropriate steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The investigation into the fires and the potential link to Benamor’s properties will shed light on any negligence or wrongdoing that may have contributed to the loss of life and property damage in Old Montreal.
In the wake of these devastating events, the community in Old Montreal is coming together to mourn the loss of Léonor Geraudie and her daughter, as well as to demand accountability and justice for the victims. Residents are calling for increased safety measures and building inspections to prevent future tragedies, while also expressing concern about the overall security in the neighborhood. The investigation into the fires and the charges laid against Fortier-Trahan and Hernandez Pelaez will be closely watched as the community seeks closure and reassurance in the aftermath of these harrowing incidents.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the families and loved ones of the victims are grappling with their grief and searching for answers about the events that led to the fatal fire. The impact of the loss of Léonor Geraudie and Vérane Reynaud Geraudie will be felt long after the criminal case is resolved, as the community continues to mourn and remember the lives cut short by this tragic incident. The outcome of the investigation and the trial of the two men charged with murder and arson will be crucial in providing closure and justice for the victims, while also addressing the broader issues of safety and security in Old Montreal.
