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Leila Ben Salem was killed in her apartment in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal, Canada, while on a virtual meeting with colleagues on September 22. Youcef Moussaoui, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death, which police have indicated was not related to domestic violence.
Youcef Moussaoui appeared via video link at the Montreal courthouse on 16 October for a scheduled hearing, where he faces a first-degree murder charge related to the death of Leila Ben Salem. The investigation continues, and local authorities have stated that evidence, including the alleged motive, will be disclosed during the legal proceedings.
Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, extended condolences to the family and colleagues of Leila Ben Salem, emphasising her value as a public servant and pledging government support to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable. Youcef Moussaoui is set to appear in court again on 21 December as the case progresses through the legal system.
What remains unclear — The exact motive for Leila Ben Salem’s murder has not been disclosed.
Man charged with murder after woman dies during virtual meeting in Montreal
Leila Ben Salem was killed while she was on a virtual meeting at home with colleagues (Picture: Jam Press/Leïla Ben Sam)
A man has been charged with first-degree murder following the shocking death of a woman who was killed while she was in a virtual meeting with colleagues.
Leila Ben Salem was found dead at her apartment in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal, Canada, on September 22 following a request for a wellness check.
Local channel CTV News reports that Youcef Moussaoui, 33, has now been charged with the murder of the 45-year-old, who worked for the Canada Revenue Agency.
The exact motive for the murder remains unclear, however local authorities have said that Salem’s murder was not related to domestic violence
‘The various pieces of evidence gathered during the criminal investigation, including the alleged motive for the murder, will be made public during the legal proceedings,’ police said.
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The motive for Leila’s murder remains unclear (Picture: Jam Press/Leïla Ben Salem)
Moussaoui, who does not have a criminal record in Quebec, was taken into custody last Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Ben Salem’s death is the 19th homicide recorded in Montreal so far this year.
Tributes were paid by The CRA and the Union of Taxation Employees, as well as from several members of the Canadian government.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences, saying: ‘Ms. Ben Salem was a valued member of the Canada Revenue Agency, dedicated to serving Canadians, which she was doing at the time of her assault.’
Carney added that the government would do what it could to ensure ‘the perpetrator of this shameful crime pays the full price.’
Mark Carney paid tribute to the victim (Picture: Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre described her as ‘a treasured member of the public service who tragically lost her life’.
‘We Conservatives also wish to share our condolences with the family of Ms. Ben Salem,’ he added.
The murder comes just days after another shocking crime, in which a man was accused of decapitating two members of his family with a chainsaw at their home in Alabama.
Thomas Steele, 47, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder after Christy Deloach, 65, and 85-year-old Dora Boone were found dead at their home in Mobile on Monday.
It comes just days after chilling murders in Alabama (Picture: Mobile County WTX Jail)
Police made the grim discovery after his aunt called 911 to report that Steele, who she said is bipolar, had begun ‘doing some bizarre things’ after he came off his medication.
According to transcripts reported by WBKO News, she told police that he gave away his phone and car.
Steele, who gave a disturbing grin in his mugshot photo, appeared in court late last week, and is likely to undergo medical evaluation to see whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.
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