TERREBONNE – A Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines man is facing numerous charges, including attempted murder, after he allegedly tried to kill himself and his son with Down syndrome, by setting the family home on fire.
The suspect, posted a cry for help on his Facebook page Wednesday before allegedly setting the house on fire.
While the video is no longer accessible, Daniel Fortier with Terrebonne police confirmed its existence and said that the suspect was critical of Premier Phillipe Couillard and Health Minister Gaetan Barrette for not doing more to help families in difficult situations.
Terrebonne officers were called to the home 3:36 p.m.ET Wednesday to assist local firefighters.
When they arrived, they discovered the father and his son outside the home.
The pair were taken to hospital. The father suffered burns and his son received treatment for smoke inhalation and was released in the care of family members.
On Thursday morning, the suspect, appeared before a judge from his hospital bed and was charged with attempted murder, three counts of arson, child abandonment, failure to provide the necessities of life to a child and criminal negligence causing harm.
Police are not confirming the accused’s name to protect the interests and identity of the victim.