Two teens have been charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of a 17-year-old boy whose body was found early Monday in the woods on Nuns' Island.
The 17-year-old boy and the 17-year-old girl appeared in youth court where a judge ordered a publication ban on information that can identify them and the victim.
Montreal police first believed the boy's death was accidental but a coroner determined yesterday that the boy was killed, with stab wounds to the lower body.
Police say they believe it was an armed holdup gone wrong.
The Crown is seeking an adult sentence if the accused are found guilty. If sentenced as an adult, it's an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for ten years. If sentenced as a minor, the maximum sentence is seven years.
Defence lawyer Danièle Roy, who is the boy's attorney, said such a request by the crown is par for the course in cases such as this and she will contest it.
"It's a sad case for both parties. It's a sad case for the victims, it's a sad case for the accused. Those are young people who come from good families and it's a very sad case," Roy told reporters.
A dozen friends and family of the victim packed into the first two rows on one side of the courtroom while the family of the two accused took up two rows on the other side. No one wanted to comment.
The accused looked straight ahead as they stood in the prisoner's box, separated by court constables - the boy wearing a navy track suit jacket with a white Puma logo, the girl wearing a grey hoodie.
The defence has not received all the evidence yet.
The case returns to court in a week.
The Crown said it will object to any request for release on bail.
The accused remain in custody.