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Montreal man charged with first-degree murder in two slayings sent for evaluation

Dec 6, 2016 | 2:00 PM

MONTREAL — A man charged with two counts of first-degree murder following a wild Sunday night in Montreal will undergo an evaluation to determine if he’s fit to stand trial.

Frederick Gingras, 21, was also charged Tuesday with two counts of attempted murder.

He appeared via video conference and his lawyer requested an evaluation at a psychiatric hospital.

Court documents identify the victims as Chantal Cyr, a 49-year-old who was killed during a carjacking at a gas station parking lot, and James Jardin, a man in his 20s found dead in an apartment.

The accused was arrested early Monday in Montreal-area Brossard following a lengthy car chase.

Gingras will return to court on Dec. 16, but the evaluation could take up to 30 days.

In the meantime, the accused is prohibited from speaking with families of the victims.

“It’s a protective measure,” said Crown prosecutor Catherine Perreault. “They aren’t people he knows specifically, but we want to make sure there are no risks until he returns.”

Perreault said other charges could be laid.

In an interview with Montreal radio station 98.5 FM, the accused’s mother said her son has mental health problems, was suffering from psychosis and had a drug problem.

She alleged he assaulted her a few weeks ago and, after a two-week hospitalization, was released on bail Nov. 16 despite serious mental health issues.

She claimed a doctor had reduced his medication dose, creating new problems.

In the interview, the mother offered condolences to the families of the victims and said she was stunned to learn about the events as she watched TV on Monday.

The Canadian Press