The Quebec City Police Department (SPVQ) confirmed Saturday morning that the man found dead the previous day in a residential neighbourhood in the La Cité-Limoilou borough was the victim of a homicide. The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Gabriel-Simon Akokane, according to the SPVQ. The young man was found Friday around 11 a.m. in a residence on Saint-Gabriel Street in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhood during a search operation involving the Tactical Intervention Unit (GTI). “This follows an investigation that began with detectives from the Urban Violence Unit,” said SPVQ spokesperson Sergeant Sandra Dion. “It was when the officers entered the residence that they discovered the man, who had died. The death was pronounced on the scene.” In an interview Saturday morning, Dion could not specify the nature of the injuries so as not to compromise the ongoing investigation. “Obviously, I cannot disclose details of the investigation. However, all the evidence gathered by investigators throughout the evening and last night confirms that the 21-year-old man, Gabriel-Simon Akokane, was likely the victim of a homicide,” she said. “So, we are talking about injuries on this man’s body.” The SPVQ spokesperson confirmed that this individual “had a criminal record.” The investigation has been assigned to investigators from the SPVQ’s major crimes unit. Forensic technicians were also called to the scene to analyze the crime scene. The SPVQ’s mobile command post will remain on site on Saturday. Anyone with information about this incident can also contact the police by phone, either by dialling 911 or confidentially by dialling (418) 641-AGIR (2447) or 1 (888) 641-2447, a toll-free number for people outside Quebec City. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Oct. 3, 2026.
