Shawinigan homicide prompts large manhunt in Lac-aux-Sables for suspect Philippe Benoit
Shawinigan homicide: Person found dead July 26, 2026. SQ searches Lac-aux-Sables for suspect Philippe Benoit; residents urged to avoid the area immediately.
A person was found dead in Shawinigan on the morning of Sunday, July 26, 2026, in what the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is treating as a homicide. The discovery, reported to police at about 9 a.m., prompted an immediate investigation and an ongoing search in the nearby Lac-aux-Sables area. Authorities have identified a man of interest and warned residents not to approach him if sighted.
Body discovered in Saint‑Georges sector
The deceased was located in a residential neighbourhood in the Saint‑Georges sector of Shawinigan shortly after 9 a.m. on July 26, 2026. Police confirmed the death at the scene and established a security perimeter while forensic teams were mobilized. The investigation into the circumstances of the death has been transferred to the SQ unit that handles crimes against the person.
Suspect identified as Philippe Benoit
The SQ named Philippe Benoit, 41, of Shawinigan as a person of interest in the investigation. Authorities provided a physical description listing him at about 1.66 metres (5 feet 5 inches), approximately 45 kilograms (100 pounds), with brown hair and hazel eyes. The public has been asked not to approach Benoit and to immediately contact police with any reliable sightings.
Large-scale search operations in Lac‑aux‑Sables
Police mounted a broad search effort in Lac‑aux‑Sables on Sunday, deploying canine units, drones and both land and water patrols. A nautical patrol was reported as part of the operation, and several streets were closed to facilitate the response. Investigators also requested the attendance of the service of judicial identity (forensic identification) to process the scene and support the ongoing search.
Local restrictions and safety measures
Camping Lac‑aux‑Sables and the municipal authorities implemented temporary safety measures for residents and visitors. Camping staff posted an update at 3:25 p.m. on July 26, 2026, stating that movement within the campground was safe but asking visitors to avoid large gatherings; the beach and the onsite restaurant were to remain closed until Monday, July 27, 2026. The municipality said several streets, including Sainte‑Marie and Cloutier, were blocked and that access to the boat ramp parking was restricted until further notice.
Community response and resident advisories
People staying at the nearby campground reported being instructed to remain in their trailers or tents for much of the afternoon for safety reasons. Municipal social media updates urged caution and noted that closure measures were in effect for an indeterminate period to allow police operations to continue. The SQ reiterated that anyone who sees the man of interest should call police rather than attempt to make contact.
Investigative next steps and public cooperation
Investigators continue to piece together the timeline that led to the death in Shawinigan and the subsequent search in Lac‑aux‑Sables. Forensic teams are processing the scene in Shawinigan while search units follow leads in the surrounding area. Authorities emphasized the importance of public tips and asked anyone with information to contact the SQ to assist the inquiry.
The Sûreté du Québec is leading the investigation and has requested that media and the public respect the integrity of the operation by avoiding speculation and relaying verified information to investigators.
