The population of Saint-Anselme awaiting the arrest of a suspect

While the suspect is still at large, the presence of the Sûreté du Québec on Thursday in Saint-Anselme continues to reassure the population, more fearful since the homicide of November 28.

“It’s precious, their presence. When you no longer see anyone, you have the impression that everything has stopped. The population is aware that this perhaps allows us to generate testimonies,” explained Mayor Yves Turgeon, the first to visit the mobile command post around 3:30 p.m.

Although the vehicle located near the O Mini-Prix work clothing store did not welcome many visitors, the police had nevertheless planned to go door-to-door in the early evening. Their efforts could yield results since the two potential witnesses sought are most likely citizens of the area.

A denouement

Investigators are trying, in particular, to identify a runner who passed several times on rue du Sous-Bois, in Saint-Anselme, between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., as well as a lady who was walking with her dog on rue Commerciale, in the same hours.

“Everyone is waiting for an outcome. There is a listening service for people who may be anxious since this event. We are trying to reassure the population,” added Mayor Turgeon.

On the evening of the tragedy, around 8 p.m., an armed individual burst into the O Mini-Prix business and fatally shot Justine Hertemann, 32 years old. He also seriously injured another woman in her twenties in the head before fleeing on foot. For her part, the survivor has left the hospital but the road to rehabilitation will be long.

Discreet

Inside the store, the owner did not want to comment publicly, but he also wants an outcome. To relaunch his business activities, he had to face a trying scene and he collaborated with the police.

“Strategically, we are here in the same hours as the event. The investigation is progressing well and each piece of information is being analyzed. People should not hesitate and we are confident of finding the witnesses in question,” said Sergeant Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec.

The police are not able, at this time, to identify the most probable hypothesis concerning this homicide.

“We won’t stop until we find the culprit,” the spokesperson finishes.

Anyone with information on this event can also contact the Criminal Information Center of the Sûreté du Québec at 1 800 659-4264.