MONTREAL — A tragic incident unfolded in the Montreal off-island suburb of Vaudreuil-Dorion, where a man with a history of serious mental health problems was charged with murder in a stabbing attack that resulted in the deaths of two women and left another seriously injured.

The accused, Fabio Puglisi, 44, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the killing of his 68-year-old mother, Elisabetta Puglisi-Caucci, and a 53-year-old neighbour, Manon Blanchard. Additionally, he faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault against a 70-year-old neighbour who is expected to survive.

History of Mental Health Problems

Court documents reveal that Puglisi has a significant history of mental health issues, having been found not criminally responsible for offences in 2012 and 2020. His psychiatric history dates back to 2007, with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.

In a recent incident in November 2020, Puglisi was charged with assaulting a woman in Vaudreuil-Dorion, indicating a pattern of concerning behaviour.

Court Proceedings and Evaluation

During a court appearance via video conference, Puglisi’s lawyer requested a psychiatric evaluation to determine his fitness to stand trial, a request that was not opposed by the Crown. Puglisi is set to undergo evaluation and is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings.

Despite the seriousness of the charges against him, Puglisi showed signs of mental instability during the court appearance, adding to the complexity of the case.

Community Concerns

Neighbours in the condo development where the incident took place expressed concerns about Puglisi’s behaviour, with one resident describing a sense of fear and unease due to his aggressive interactions. The community is grappling with the shock and tragedy of the events.

Government Response

Quebec Premier François Legault expressed his anger over the killings but urged caution in rushing to judgment or implementing harsher legislation without a thorough investigation. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive analysis of the case before taking further steps.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will delve into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and assess whether preventive measures could have been taken.