The investigation into the resounding murder of the young brother of a powerful Montreal kingpin committed in mid-February in Little Italy is progressing well: several searches were underway Thursday morning, in Greater Montreal, with the aim of amassing evidence in the file.
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However, no arrests were expected during the day. The objective of the operation, in which around 100 police officers are participating, is to gather evidence that could be used in a possible trial.
Photo Agence QMI, Mario Beauregard
The holding of such an operation suggests that the police already have a good idea of the suspect(s) involved in the murder of Brandon Jean Célestin, the younger brother of the boss Jean-Philippe Célestin.
The 28-year-old man was shot and killed on the night of February 17, as he walked to his Mercedes car after leaving a family party, near the intersection of Saint-Denis and Bellechasse streets, in the borough of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie.
According to our information, nearly thirty shots were fired in his direction from a vehicle. Célestin was hit by three projectiles, including one in the heart. He died instantly.
Archive photo QMI Agency, Pascal Girard
Brandon Jean Célestin was murdered a stone’s throw from a restaurant where his brother would have established his “headquarters” to hold his business meetings, according to police sources.
Brandon Jean Célestin.
Archive photo QMI Agency, Maxime Deland
During the day on Thursday, Montreal police officers conducted half a dozen searches in Montreal, Laval and Brossard.
Photo Agence QMI, Mario Beauregard
The authorities are seeking in particular to find the weapon which was allegedly used to commit the murder.