Laval: arrested for trying to kill a rising star in organized crime

Police announced Thursday that they have arrested the man who allegedly attempted to murder a rising star in organized crime in broad daylight in September 2021, in Laval.

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Gahens Lee Souverain, 23, is suspected of having tried to kill Davide Barberio, while the latter was in the garage of his residence with his children, in the Duvernay district.

Sovereign allegedly opened fire in the direction of the 42-year-old mobster, hitting him in the upper body. The suspect allegedly fired a pistol with a silencer.

Seriously injured, Davide Barberio had been rushed to hospital. He survived his injuries.

The author of the attempted murder had been filmed very clearly by surveillance cameras installed on Barberio’s residence.

After more than a year of investigation, authorities arrested the alleged shooter, who was already in custody for another case.

Gahens Lee Sovereign appeared at the Laval courthouse on Tuesday on charges of attempted murder, discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a restricted firearm, possession of a prohibited device and breach of an order, since he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Until he was the target of this attack, Barberio was considered the « boss of the street ». He had to ensure discipline on the street and he was responsible for collecting debts on behalf of the mafia.