Man with History of Mental Health Issues Charged with Double Murder in Montreal

MONTREAL — A tragic stabbing incident that took place in a condo tower in the Montreal suburb of Vaudreuil-Dorion has left two women dead and another seriously injured. The suspect, Fabio Puglisi, 44, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his 68-year-old mother, Elisabetta Puglisi-Caucci, and a 53-year-old neighbour, Manon Blanchard.

Puglisi also faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault against a 70-year-old neighbour who remains in critical condition but is expected to survive. The accused appeared in court via video conference and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine his fitness to stand trial.

History of Mental Health Issues

Court documents reveal that Puglisi has a history of serious mental health problems, with previous instances of being found not criminally responsible for offences in 2012 and 2020. The reports indicate that he has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder dating back to 2007.

Despite his history, Puglisi was released without conditions in October 2020, as he was deemed not to pose a risk to public safety and was well supported by his family, particularly his mother whom he provided care for.

Recent Incidents

More recently, Puglisi was charged with assaulting a woman in Vaudreuil-Dorion in November 2023. Concerns were raised by residents in the condo development about his behaviour, with one neighbour describing instances of aggression and loud noises coming from his apartment.

Following the recent tragic events, Quebec Premier François Legault expressed his anger over the killings but cautioned against rushing to judgment or proposing stricter legislation without a thorough investigation. He emphasized the need to analyse the case before making any decisions.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to determine if there were any warning signs that could have prevented the devastating outcome.

This detailed report provides a comprehensive overview of the incident that shocked the community in Vaudreuil-Dorion, shedding light on the complexities of mental health issues and their impact on individuals and society.

Stay tuned for further updates as the case progresses through the legal system.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 16, 2024.

Written by Sidhartha Banerjee, The Canadian Press