17-year-old in Quebec City charged with 1st-degree murder in death of 19-year-old woman

A17-year-old youth who was arrested on Mondayin connectionwith last month'shomicide of a 19-year-old woman in the Limoilou borough of Quebec City has appeared in youth court.

He was charged withfirst-degree murder, sexual assault with a weapon, attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Although the proceedings took place in youth court, prosecutor Hugo Breton said a request has been made for the youthto face an adult sentence if he's found guilty.

"It's really the entire set of circumstances that we're going to take into consideration," said Breton.

"The seriousness of the actions, the seriousness of the events. We're talking about a first-degree murder charge. We're also talking about a charge involving sexual assault."

In the early morning hours of Oct. 26, Quebec City police officers say they found Daphne Jolivet, 19, withserious injuries. She waspronounced dead at the scene. They also found a 16-year-old suffering from life-threatening injuries in the residence.

The youth, who was 16 at the time of the incident,was arrested for impaired driving and vehicle theft hours after the attack. Thatarrest led officers to the home.

During his court appearance Tuesday, the teenager appeared to stare blanklyas Judge Fannie Ctes readthe charges.

He glanced briefly at the audience, which included his mother and several journalists.His case will return tocourt in mid-December for abail hearing.

Because of his age, he cannot be identified.

First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence without possibility of parole for 25 years for adults, Breton explained. But under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the maximum sentence for the same crime is 10 years, including six years in custody and four under supervision.

Police say the investigation found the suspect acted alone and there was no link between him and the victims.

Jolivet's death was Quebec City's sixth homicide of the year.

'Sudden' loss for Quebec Citycommunity

"It was a shock for everyone. It was unexpected, sudden," said Olivier Mercier, the general manager of the Centre Mgr Marcoux.

The community centre in Quebec City has set up a table for people to leave flowers, cards and stuffed animals in Jolivet's memory.

Although Mercier says he didn't know Jolivet personally, he says she was involved in the community.

"She was there for youth," said Mercier.

"She worked with us mainly at day camp in the summer, but also there during the year She was in charge of hosting these young people and to create a positive environment."

Right after her death, the centre held an event in her memory and Mercier says over 75 people showed up. He says having someone in custody and the legal process underwaymayhelp the community move forward.