An arrest warrant has been issued for a 41-year-old man who is wanted in connection with a homicide in Shawinigan. Philippe Benoit is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of a 16-year-old, who police allege was killed with a blunt object while being unlawfully confined. Quebec provincial police are still searching for the accused and said they have reason to believe that he is still in or near the area of Lac-aux-Sables, about 50 kilometres northwest of Shawinigan. On Sunday morning, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) said it located the body of a minor at a home on 201e Avenue. At the time, an SQ spokesperson said it was clear police were dealing with a homicide and the investigation was ongoing. According to the force, the suspect may have a “bladed weapon,” but insists there is no threat to the public. Police are urging anyone who sees Benoit not to attempt to intervene, approach or contact him, but to call 911 immediately. “Although the searches and investigations carried out so far have focused mainly on the Lac-aux-Sables area, it is possible that the suspect may be elsewhere in Quebec,” police said. Benoit is 1.65 m (5′5″) tall, weighs about 45 kg (100 lbs) and has brown hair and grey eyes. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can confidentially contact the SQ at 1-800-659-4264. With files from CTV News’ Daniel J. Rowe.
