Arrest warrant issued as Sûreté du Québec hunts Shawinigan man Philippe Benoît in alleged filicide
Sûreté du Québec issues arrest warrant for Philippe Benoît after a 16-year-old boy was allegedly confined and killed; searches are focused around Lac-aux-Sables.
A manhunt for 41-year-old Philippe Benoît of Shawinigan entered a new phase Wednesday after the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions authorized a first-degree murder charge.
The Sûreté du Québec said Benoît has been sought for three days and an arrest warrant was issued; the charge will be formally laid once he is located.
Court documents reviewed by investigators allege the victim was Benoît’s 16-year-old son, who was reportedly restrained and killed with a blunt object.
Arrest warrant and charge details
The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) granted authorization this morning for a first-degree murder accusation tied to the case.
Police emphasized that the formal charge will be filed against Philippe Benoît at the moment of his apprehension, consistent with standard prosecutorial procedure.
Authorities identified Benoît as a 41-year-old resident of Shawinigan and said he remains at large as efforts to locate him continue.
Victim identity and alleged circumstances
Court records indicate the deceased was the suspect’s 16-year-old son, according to the Sûreté du Québec release.
Those records state the youth was allegedly held against his will and struck with a blunt instrument, leading investigators to treat the death as homicide.
Police have not released the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin and further procedural steps.
Search operations centered in Lac-aux-Sables
Investigators concentrated search efforts after the discovery of the vehicle belonging to the suspect’s mother in the municipality of Lac-aux-Sables.
Sûreté du Québec officials said search activity has been focused in that area since Sunday, with a command post established at a local campground to coordinate tips and field teams.
The presence of the vehicle prompted authorities to narrow their canvass and intensify ground and aerial patrols in surrounding terrain.
Tactical resources and investigative lead flow
Sûreté du Québec spokeswoman Sergeant Audrey-Anne Bilodeau described a multi-pronged search effort that includes officers on foot, all-terrain vehicle teams, a mounted unit and helicopter overflights.
Bilodeau said the command post has received “several dozen” pieces of information through both the local incident centre and the central criminal information line, some of which suggest Benoît could still be in the sector.
Investigators continue to collect and verify tips, and they are adapting deployments as new information becomes available.
Public appeal, contact points and safety warning
Police are asking anyone with information to report it at the Lac-aux-Sables campground command post or through the Sûreté du Québec criminal information line at 1-800-659-4264.
Authorities stressed that even seemingly minor details can be crucial to locating a suspect and urged residents to come forward if they have relevant observations.
The Sûreté du Québec also cautioned the public not to attempt contact with Philippe Benoît, warning that he may be disturbed and could be carrying a knife.
Local officials encouraged residents in and around Lac-aux-Sables to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or suspicious activity immediately.
Investigators reiterated that tips can be submitted anonymously via the central tip line to protect the identity of reporters and to encourage the free flow of information.
Police said they will continue to provide updates as significant developments occur and as the investigation advances.
The Sûreté du Québec has closed certain roads and is coordinating with municipal partners to manage public safety while search operations continue.
Anyone with camera footage or dashcam images from the Lac-aux-Sables area over the past several days has been asked to preserve that material and contact investigators.
