Arrest made in connection with Valérie Leblanc's murder

Gatineau, September 30th 2025. – The Gatineau police service (SPVG) confirms that an arrest has been made in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of Valérie Leblanc that occurred on August 23rd 2011, in the wooded area behind Gabrielle-Roy campus of Cégep de l‘Outaouais, in Hull sector.

Quick facts

●	After more than 14 years following the homicide of Valérie Leblanc, the SPVG confirms that one charge of 1st degree murder has been authorized by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecution (DPCP). M. Stéphane Rivard, 51 years old of Gatineau, was arrested by the Gatineau police today.

●	He will remain in custody and is scheduled to appear in front of a judge at the Gatineau Courthouse tomorrow, by videoconference.

Quotes

« It is with great emotion that we announce this news today. Our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones. We hope this announcement can help ease their pain and bring them a measure of peace. I want to thank our teams for their diligence and determination. Thanks to their perseverance, we have reached an important milestone. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of all our partners in moving this case forward. », M. Simon Fournier, Chief of Gatineau police.

« By combining the expertise of our investigators with new investigative techniques, we were able to identify a suspect in connection with Valérie Leblanc's murder. Over the years, the Gatineau police has remained updated with the most modern practices and has been able to integrate them into its investigation processes » adds M. Mathieu Guilbault, Chief inspector of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Gatineau Police.

Reminder of the facts

●	On August 23, 2011, 18-year-old Valérie Leblanc was found dead in the woods behind the Gabrielle-Roy campus of the Cégep de l'Outaouais, in the Hull sector of Gatineau.

●	Upon their arrival, the police officers at the scene, observed multiple signs of violence and burns marks.

●	Thirteen months after the victim's body was discovered, the coroner's preliminary report indicated that the cause of death was related to head trauma caused by a blunt object.

We reaffirm our commitment to advancing all unresolved crime cases through close collaboration between divisions, continuous training for our personnel, and active public engagement. The SPVG remains steadfast in its determination to shed light on these cases and provide answers to the families affected by these tragedies

The Gatineau police service invites anyone who may have information regarding this case to contact us at (819) 243-4636, option 1.

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