Man fatally shot in Laval had links to organized crime, drug trafficking: reports
An investigation is underway Tuesday after a 66-year-old man was found shot and killed in a commercial parking lot.
Laval police (SPL) were called to the scene near Laval's Highway 440 around 7:45 a.m. There, in the parking lot of a business called Centre Ceramique 440, they discovered the victim's body.
The man was pronounced dead on site.
Multiple reports say he was Vincenzo Armeni, who was known to police. His identity is yet to be officially confirmed by law enforcement, but a spokesperson for provincial police (SQ) said they've taken over the investigation because it's related to organized crime.
"The investigators are doing everything possible to find evidence on the scene," said spokesperson Catherine Bernard, adding that no arrests have been made so far.
Laval police (SPL) are investigating after a man's body was discovered in the parking lot of a business near Highway 440 on Oct. 25, 2022. (Rob Lurie/CTV News)
BURNED-OUT VEHICLE NEARBY
Police also found a burned-out SUV in a field not far from an abandoned home on 71st Avenue, near the Lachapelle Bridge.
It's not clear yet if the vehicle is related to the shooting or not. The major crimes squad is investigating both scenes.
A NEAR-20 YEAR SENTENCE
Prior to his death, Vincenzo Armeni had served a 19-years for drug trafficking.
While incarcerated at Archambault Institution, he wrote a letter published in the Journal of Prisoners on Prisons (JPP) that critized the institution's living conditions and argued for reduced life sentences and better prisoner pay.
He also demanded a gradual release for himself, "so that I can better prepare myself for my eventual return to the community."
The journal is published by the University of Ottawa press.
This is a developing story. More to come.
With files from CTV News Montreal's Rob Lurie
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.