2 people arrested in Old Montreal fire that killed mom, daughter
Montreal police announced the arrests Friday, a week after the Oct. 4 blaze ripped through a century-old building that left 43-year-old French national Léonor Geraudie and her seven-year-old daughter Vérane Reynaud Geraudie dead.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a fire in Old Montreal earlier this month that claimed the lives of a mother and her daughter.
Montreal police made the announcement on Friday, a week after the fire on October 4 engulfed a century-old building, killing 43-year-old French national Léonor Geraudie and her seven-year-old daughter, Vérane Reynaud Geraudie.
Authorities believe 23 other people were in the building on Notre-Dame Street East when the fire broke out, all of whom managed to escape unharmed.
Police are scheduled to provide an update on the investigation at 3 p.m. Eastern.
On Tuesday, Quebec’s chief coroner announced an inquiry, following a request from Quebec’s Public Security Minister, François Bonnardel.
City property records indicate the building, constructed in 1923, is owned by Émile Benamor, who also owns a nearby heritage building on Place D’Youville. That building caught fire last March, resulting in seven fatalities.
Coroner Géhane Kamel will oversee both investigations. The coroner’s office mentioned that since the inquiries share common facts, Kamel may eventually merge them.
Several lawsuits have been filed in relation to the Place D’Youville fire, but the coroner’s inquest is currently paused, pending the conclusion of the police investigation and any criminal proceedings.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the October 4 fire to come forward, either by contacting police directly or providing information anonymously through Info-Crime Montreal at 514-393-1133 or via their website.
