Montreal police say they have released the three witnesses they were speaking to in connection with a fatal robbery in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
Const. Benoit Boisselle said no charges have been laid against the three, but they are expected to collaborate with police as the investigation continues to determine what happened.
The move comes after what started as a suspected robbery around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday turned into the city’s 28th homicide of the year.
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Police say multiple 911 calls were placed Tuesday night about a fight on the corner of Nicolet and Ontario streets in the Hochelaga-Masionneuve neighbourhood.
Upon arrival, police officers found a group of people restraining an unconscious 34-year-old man on the ground. They were told the man had robbed a dépanneur across the street and the group of three witnesses chased him down.
Police said the suspect was severely beaten and taken to hospital with critical injuries, where he later died.
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No weapons were used by the people who apprehended the suspected robber, according to police.
Investigators then met with the witnesses, but the group was released late Wednesday afternoon.
Boisselle said the investigation continues and police are awaiting the final results of the autopsy.