The number of minors accused of murder has almost tripled in two years in Quebec, which has led the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) to create a specialized team to manage these disturbing and highly sensitive cases.
According to Journal de Montréal, nearly a third of murders in Quebec involve young people under the age of 21.
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Across the province, charges of murder against minors have increased from six to 17 between 2022 and 2024.
There are currently four prosecutors in Quebec who focus solely on homicides committed by minors in Montreal.
Easier access to guns in the hands of minors is problematic
Those working in the field point to the ease of access to firearms for young offenders, which may partially explain the rise in murders.
Young people often start by engaging in theft and stealing vehicles, which eventually allows them to make enough money to arm themselves.
Tensions between gangs often have a role to play.
Prosecutors point to the influence of multiple factors, including adult accomplices.
Experts also point to the pandemic and the damage it has inflicted on young people’s mental health, with an increase in anxiety, and problematic behaviour that often leads to delinquency.
