Quebec has experienced a tumultuous year marked by violent conflicts, tragic incidents, and severe weather events. Key occurrences include the Blood Family Mafia’s uprising against the Hells Angels, a fatal fire in Old Montreal, the devastation caused by Hurricane Debby, and the kidnapping and murder of cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi. Additionally, alarming trends in femicides, youth violence, and community tragedies, such as a garage explosion, have left a lasting impact on the province’s society.
Significant Events in Quebec: A Year of Turmoil and Tragedy
The past year in Quebec has been marked by an unrelenting conflict between independent traffickers and the Hells Angels, leading to a series of dramatic incidents that have profoundly impacted the local community. From arson to femicides, severe flooding, and various violent crimes, these events have dominated the headlines. Here’s a look at the ten most impactful news stories that unfolded over the last twelve months in the province.
1) The Blood Family Mafia Uprising
At the center of the turmoil is the Blood Family Mafia (BFM), led by the notorious Dave “Pic” Turmel. This violent faction has been responsible for numerous gruesome incidents in eastern Quebec, as they refuse to pay the Hells Angels a 10% tax for drug sales in the area. Their aggressive tactics have included murders, attempted murders, and arson, as they openly wage war against the established biker gang. One shocking incident included a video that surfaced showing a Hells associate being tortured, while another tragic event involved the mysterious death of a 14-year-old boy who was killed while allegedly trying to set fire to a Hells Angels location in Frampton, Beauce.
2) Fatal Fire in Old Montreal
On October 4, a devastating fire swept through a restaurant in Old Montreal, ignited by a Molotov cocktail thrown by two young suspects. The blaze rapidly engulfed the building, claiming the lives of a 43-year-old French tourist and her 7-year-old daughter, while also leaving three others injured. The accused, aged 18 and 20, were apprehended shortly after the incident. This tragedy struck a particularly sensitive chord as the burnt structure was owned by lawyer Émile Benamor, who had previously faced a similar disaster in March 2023, when seven lives were lost in an arson fire in the same area.
3) Hurricane Debby’s Devastation
In August, Quebec faced one of its most devastating weather events with the remnants of Hurricane Debby, which was declared “the most costly weather event in Quebec’s history.” The storm struck on August 9 and 10, resulting in major flooding across 55 municipalities and causing widespread damage, including road collapses. Over 260 homes were inundated, prompting the evacuation of more than 400 individuals. Tragically, an elderly man lost his life after being swept away by the Batiscan River during the chaos. His body was discovered two days later, underscoring the human cost of the disaster.
4) Cryptocurrency Influencer’s Kidnapping and Murder
In a shocking crime that rattled the community, cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi was kidnapped in late June along with three friends in Old Montreal. While three of the victims were released the following day, Mirshahi was not as fortunate. Reports indicate he was tortured and ultimately murdered in a residence in Les Cèdres, with his body later discovered in a park in Ahuntsic. Investigators believe his death was a retaliatory act following allegations of investment fraud. So far, three suspects have been arrested in connection with this heinous crime.
5) A Murder Following a Domestic Report
The alarming trend of femicides continued in 2024, with Guangmei Ye, a 29-year-old data analyst, becoming one of the many tragic victims. Ye had previously reported threats from her ex-partner, Shilei Du, who had been arrested but later released under conditions meant to keep him away from her. In a horrific turn of events, Du allegedly returned to Ye’s home in Candiac and murdered her, staying with her body for several days before being apprehended after neighbors alerted authorities.
6) A Triple Homicide Shakes the Community
Only one triple homicide occurred in Quebec this year, instigated by a 15-year-old during a violent altercation in Plateau-Mont-Royal. Following a fight involving multiple individuals, the teenager fatally stabbed a rival before being killed himself, and a third individual also lost their life in the fray. This tragic incident reignited discussions about youth violence and the factors contributing to such extreme behavior.
7) Innocent Bystanders Caught in Teen Crime Spree
On March 28, two teens, aged 14 and 16, embarked on a reckless crime spree in Montreal, stealing a vehicle and randomly shooting at citizens. One victim, a 41-year-old man, was shot but survived. The teens’ escapade ended tragically when they crashed the stolen SUV while fleeing from police, leading to their untimely deaths. Their violent actions, linked to gang affiliations, further alarmed the community about youth involvement in crime.
8) Geyser Erupts in Downtown Montreal
A spectacular and chaotic scene unfolded in Montreal when an 84-inch water main burst on August 16, sending a geyser of water soaring twenty meters into the air. The incident flooded many streets and buildings, resulting in the evacuation of over a hundred residents as approximately 40 million liters of water surged into the area. The deteriorating pipe had been under surveillance, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
9) Tragic Explosion in Saint-Constant
On June 1, a joyous gathering around a campfire in Saint-Constant turned catastrophic when a garage explosion injured eight individuals, including children. The victims suffered severe burns, with some requiring artificial comas for their recovery. The community rallied to assist those affected, showcasing the solidarity in the face of such a tragic event.