The woman found unconscious at the Le Montagnais hotel on the night of Sunday to Monday succumbed to her injuries Tuesday afternoon at the Chicoutimi hospital. Ève Chachaï, a member of the Opitciwan community in Haute-Mauricie, was being kept alive artificially in intensive care.
The Saguenay Police Department told the media following the incident that the victim was in critical condition and that his life was in danger.
Her partner, Éric Latour, was charged with aggravated assault on Monday at the Chicoutimi courthouse. Considering the victim’s death, everything suggests that this charge will be called upon to change when the accused returns to court, scheduled for Friday.
PHOTO TAKEN FROM FACEBOOK
Eric Latour
The 44-year-old has a long criminal record.
An altercation which would have degenerated
According to information from the Dailyan altercation between Éric Latour and Ève Chachaï reportedly escalated at the Éclipse bar, located in the basement of the Le Montagnais hotel. The employees interviewed are being cautious in their comments to avoid harming the investigation, which is still ongoing, but some confirm that the bar was closed during the day on Monday.
PHOTO MARIANE L. ST-GELAIS, LE QUOTIDIEN
The event allegedly took place at the Éclipse bar, located in the basement of the hotel.
The resuscitation maneuvers reportedly lasted several minutes when help arrived and the victim was transported to the hospital. A surveillance camera reportedly captured some images of the scene.
Anger in the Opitciwan community
The victim was part of the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan. Members of his family have posted several updates on his state of health on social media since the events.
Opitciwan Band Council Chief Jean-Claude Mequish provided an update on the situation in a video broadcast live on Facebook on Tuesday. “I wanted to appeal for calm to the community, which is experiencing a lot of anger, to offer our support and compassion to the family,” said Chief Mequish.