Montreal man arrested in connection with September homicide of CRA employee

Montreal man arrested after September homicide
Montreal man arrested after September homicide
Police tape is seen around the scene of a shooting in Montreal on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Writer

Police have arrested a 33-year-old man suspected of killing a Canada Revenue Agency employee at a downtown Montreal home in September.

Police found the body of Leïla Ben Salem, 45, on Sept. 22 in an apartment during a wellness check.

Prime Minister Mark Carney told the House of Commons in September that Ben Salem was a valued member of the Canada Revenue Agency who was dedicated to serving Canadians.

He also noted that this is what she was doing at the moment she was killed.

Police say they arrested the suspect on Thursday evening and that he is facing a first-degree murder charge.

Montreal police do not believe the homicide was related to domestic violence but declined to share further details.

Police say the death was the 19th homicide of the year on the Island of Montreal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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