Cross-Province Manhunt Ends: Final Suspect in Rimouski Homicide Arrested in Hamilton

It's a development that many have been waiting for, a significant turning point in a case that has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the community of Rimouski. Police, after a truly persistent and cross-province effort, have finally apprehended the third and last suspect linked to the tragic death of Samuel Deschênes, a homicide that shocked the region back in July.

The individual in question, Mathieu Boucher, was taken into custody not in Quebec, where the crime occurred, but surprisingly far afield in Hamilton, Ontario. He now faces a charge of accessory after the fact to murder, a serious charge that suggests a role in assisting others following the primary offense, rather than being directly involved in the act itself.

To refresh our memories, the investigation began in earnest when Samuel Deschênes, just 26 years old, was tragically discovered deceased in Rimouski during the early hours of July 1st. The circumstances surrounding his death were immediately deemed suspicious, prompting the Sûreté du Québec to launch a full-scale homicide investigation – a process that, as you can imagine, is meticulous, often challenging, and demands immense dedication.

This latest arrest truly feels like the closing of a major chapter, as Boucher's apprehension follows the earlier arrests of two other individuals in connection with Deschênes' death. Noémie Beauvais, 20, and Mathieu Leblond, 28, were both previously charged with second-degree murder, indicating a direct involvement in the primary crime itself. These earlier arrests set the stage, leaving many to wonder if there were still other players involved in the aftermath.

The Sûreté du Québec, the provincial police force in Quebec, led this complex investigation, and their determination is evident. It's a prime example of inter-provincial police cooperation, with the Hamilton Police Service playing a crucial role in locating and apprehending Boucher far from the scene of the original crime. This kind of collaborative effort really underscores the commitment law enforcement has to bringing justice to victims, no matter where suspects might try to hide or how long it takes.

Mathieu Boucher is now expected to be transferred back to Quebec to face his charges in a Rimouski courtroom. His appearance will undoubtedly bring the case further into the public eye, as the legal process unfolds for all three accused. For the family and friends of Samuel Deschênes, while nothing can ever bring him back, these arrests surely represent a significant step towards some measure of closure, and perhaps, eventually, justice for their profound loss.