Police have arrested a 51-year-old Gatineau, Que., resident in connection to the murder of Valérie Leblanc, which occurred more than 14 years ago. Stéphane Rivard of Gatineau was arrested and faces one charge of first-degree murder, Gatineau Police Service (SPVG) said Tuesday. “It is with great emotion that we announce this news today. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones. We hope this announcement can help ease their pain and bring them a measure of peace,” said Gatineau police chief Simon Fournier in a media release. On Aug. 21, 2011, the 18-year-old Leblanc was found dead in a wooded area behind Gabrielle-Roy campus of Cégep de l‘Outaouais. In 2021, Gatineau police put out a renewed call for information in the investigation. “By combining the expertise of our investigators with new investigative techniques, we were able to identify a suspect in connection with Valérie Leblanc’s murder,” said Mathieu Guilbault, chief inspector of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Gatineau Police. “Over the years, the Gatineau police has remained updated with the most modern practices and has been able to integrate them into its investigation processes.” Police released a composite sketch of a person suspected to be a key witness in the crime shortly after Leblanc’s murder. Case shook the region “The homicide itself shook Gatineau. It shook the Ottawa-Gatineau region, and you know what, it shook all the police organizations,” Gatineau Police Service Chief Inspector Mathieu Guilbault said Wednesday. “Everybody was talking about that homicide. Everybody in the community wanted us to have some steps, some big announcement, so yesterday, we were pleased to make that announcement.” Guilbault says he hopes the announcement that an arrest has been made will help bring a little peace to Leblanc’s family and friends. Rivard appeared in court Wednesday. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 21. Gatineau police ask anyone with information regarding the case to contact them at 819-243-4636, option 1.
