Sébastien Lepage, 48, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder just days after Dany Cloutier, a homeless man, was found dead on January 30, 2025.

Cloutier’s body was discovered by a concerned friend inside the garage of a vacant property on Victor Street in Mirabel, a location reportedly used as shelter by several people. Valérie Latendresse, who occasionally helped him, remembered him as a cheerful and determined person.

According to Journal de Montreal, Lepage has a history of violent offences. In 2008, he fatally attacked another inmate using his fists and a safe. During the investigation, he was reportedly intoxicated and displaying signs of distress. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and substance-induced psychosis but was found criminally responsible and sentenced to nearly eight years in prison.

The Parole Board of Canada previously identified concerns involving his mental health, substance abuse and difficulty managing conflicts. Although his risk of reoffending was considered moderate, parole was denied in 2011. He was automatically released in 2012 under conditions requiring him to avoid drugs and alcohol and attend psychological counselling.

Lepage is expected back in court next week at the Saint-Jérôme courthouse for further proceedings in connection with Cloutier’s death.