A man has been charged with first-degree murder after a woman was killed in her apartment while she was on a virtual work meeting.
Youcef Moussaoui, 33, appeared by video link at the Montreal courthouse in Canada on Friday (16 Oct), where he was charged over the death of Leila Ben Salem, 45.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employee had been on a video call with work colleagues when she was killed, as reported by the Montreal Gazette.
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Moussaoui was arrested on Thursday (15 Oct) afternoon after police issued a warrant for his arrest, CBC reported.
Police have said the killing did not take place in the context of domestic violence, but have not revealed a motive.
“The various pieces of evidence gathered during the criminal investigation, including the alleged motive for the murder, will be made public during the legal proceedings,” the force said in a statement.
Speaking outside court, Moussaoui’s defence lawyer, Maria Vivas, told reporters she did not know what the relationship was between the victim and the accused and needed to review the evidence, according to CTV News.
The accused has no criminal record in Quebec.
Ben Salem was found dead on Tuesday, September 22, after officers were called to carry out a wellness check at her apartment on René-Lévesque Boulevard, near Saint-Christophe Street, at 3:25 pm.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said her death was Montreal’s 19th homicide of the year.
Ben Salem was a member of Local 10008 of the Union of Taxation Employees, part of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
Paying tribute days after her death, PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa said: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic death of Leila Ben Salem.
“On behalf of the PSAC, I offer my sincerest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who loved her.
“Violence has no place in our society. The entire union is in mourning, resolved to continue the fight to build a better world where everyone can live and work in safety and dignity.
“Our hearts go out to Leila’s family, her local branch, and all members grieving this tragedy.”
Federal party leaders also paid their respects, with Prime Minister Mark Carney offering condolences to her family, colleagues and loved ones on behalf of the government.
Addressing the House of Commons, Carney said: “Ms Ben Salem was a valued member of the Canada Revenue Agency, dedicated to serving Canadians, which she was doing at the time of her assault.”
He also pledged support for police so that “the perpetrator of this shameful crime pays the full price”.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre described her as “a highly valued public servant who tragically lost her life”.
The CRA also offered its condolences.
Moussaoui is due to appear in court again on 21 December.
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