Two women have died after being shot Thursday night in a vehicle parked outside a restaurant in Rivière-du-Loup, Que., prompting a homicide investigation by the Sûreté du Québec.
Emergency crews were called shortly before 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, after witnesses reported what sounded like gunshots near the intersection of boulevard Cartier and rue Plourde.
Police found two women inside a vehicle with serious injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
One victim died at the scene, while the second was taken to hospital and later died from her injuries.
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What happened in Rivière-du-Loup
The shooting occurred in the parking area of a restaurant near Autoroute 20.
The scene remained secured as investigators worked to document the vehicle, examine surrounding areas and establish what led to the attack.
The victims had not been formally identified as of Friday morning, October 23, while police worked to notify their relatives.
Investigators have not publicly described a possible motive or said whether the victims were specifically targeted.
SQ leads the investigation
Because both deaths are being treated as murders, the Sûreté du Québec’s major-crimes investigators have taken responsibility for the case.
No arrest had been announced in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Police had also not released a description of a suspect or confirmed whether one person or multiple people were involved.
Those details could change as investigators review evidence and speak with witnesses.
Police seek information
Investigators are expected to examine surveillance footage and seek information from anyone who was in the area around the time of the shooting.
People who witnessed the incident or noticed suspicious activity near boulevard Cartier and rue Plourde are encouraged to contact the Sûreté du Québec.
Police have not indicated that there is an ongoing threat to the broader public, but residents should avoid the secured area while the investigation continues.
What comes next
The next major developments are expected to include the formal identification of the victims, any appeal for witnesses or surveillance video, and possible arrests or charges.
Until investigators release more information, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
The case is the latest serious criminal investigation to draw attention in the Bas-Saint-Laurent community, but police have not yet established whether it is connected to organized crime or any other recent incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Rivière-du-Loup?
Two women were shot while inside a vehicle in a restaurant parking area near boulevard Cartier and rue Plourde on Thursday night, October 22, 2026.
Did both women die?
Yes. One victim died at the scene and the second died later in hospital.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Sûreté du Québec’s major-crimes investigators are leading the homicide investigation.
Have any arrests been made?
No arrests had been announced as of Friday morning, October 23, 2026.
Where can witnesses provide information?
Anyone with information about the shooting or suspicious activity in the area should contact the Sûreté du Québec.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against current Sûreté du Québec and local police information, with the reported timeline and victim details corroborated by multiple current reports. ([sq.gouv.qc.ca](https://www.sq.gouv.qc.ca/?station_municipality=riviere-du-loup&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The investigation remains active, and victim identities, motive and suspect information may be updated as police release further details.