Police have identified a 37-year-old man whose body was found overnight near the Lachine Canal by a man walking his dog.
Montreal police say the passerby made the grisly discovery at 11:20 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of St. Joseph Blvd. and 8th Ave.
Officers said the body bore "obvious signs of violence" and the death was declared at the scene. They suspect the victim was likely murdered a few hours before the body was discovered.
After the body was removed from the scene police were able to determine his identity, and discover that he was from the area and had encounters with the force in the past.
Police spent the night searching the area and part of the morning continuing that search.
Const. Jean-Pierre Brabant said an autopsy will be needed to determine exactly how he died.
One nearby resident expressed unease at the gruesome find.
"A couple of months ago on First Ave., there was a murder too and now this, you know, it's getting more and more activity here, bad activity," said Lachine resident Jasmine Morin.
