SPVM arrests second suspect in connection with 2023 shooting at Jewish school

An SPVM logo is seen on a detention centre in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)

Montreal police (SPVM) have arrested a second suspect concerning shots fired at a Jewish school in the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (CDN-NDG) borough on November 12, 2023.

According to the SPVM, the 19-year-old suspect from the Montreal area was arrested on Wednesday and appeared at a Montreal courthouse in the afternoon.

The shooting occurred around 5 a.m. at the Jewish School Yeshiva Gedola, and gunshots were heard on Deacon Road near Van Horne Avenue.

Court records show that Feijhoo-Leito Joseph was charged with stealing an Acura RDX the day before the shooting. He was also charged with discharging a firearm with intent and possession of property obtained by crime.

Police said a suspect was reportedly seen firing towards the school before quickly fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle.

When police arrived on the scene, they found bullet holes in the school’s door and shell casings on the ground.

Police had previously arrested the first suspect, 20, in May 2024.

“He appeared at the Montreal courthouse the same day to face charges of discharging a firearm, theft and receiving stolen vehicles. The investigation continued into the possible involvement of one or more other individuals in the event,” the SPVM said in a statement.

According to authorities, various elements gathered by the investigation team led to the identification of the second suspect.