A 33-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of a woman who was attacked while attending a virtual meeting with a colleague from her Montreal apartment last month.
Youcef Moussaoui appeared before a Montreal court by video on Friday and was formally charged in connection with the death of 45-year-old Leila Ben Salem. His lawyer, Maria Vivas, told reporters that she was unaware of the relationship between the accused and the victim and needed to examine the evidence. Moussaoui has no criminal record in Quebec. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 21.
The accused was arrested on Thursday afternoon after Montreal police issued a warrant for his arrest. Ben Salem was found dead on September 22 after officers responded to a wellness check at an apartment on René-Lévesque Boulevard in the city’s Ville-Marie borough.
Police stated that investigators do not believe the killing was related to domestic violence. Authorities added that evidence collected during the investigation, including the alleged motive, would be presented during court proceedings.
Ben Salem’s death marked Montreal’s 19th homicide of the year. She was employed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and her death prompted condolences from several federal politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The CRA and the Union of Taxation Employees also expressed sympathy.
Carney remembered Ben Salem as a dedicated public servant who was carrying out her duties when she was attacked. He also voiced support for police efforts to ensure the person responsible faces justice.
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