In Canada, one in three fatal assaults start with a brief dispute. This shows how quickly things can go wrong. A parking-lot fight near the Orange Julep Montreal turned tragic and led to a quick court decision.
On Wednesday, at the Montreal courthouse, Ismail Karaoui, a 27-year-old boxer, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was accused of killing Andrei Petuhov, a 50-year-old father of two. The incident happened on Décarie Blvd, near the Gibeau Orange Julep.
The fight started around 10 p.m. on May 31, 2023, near a McDonald’s and a gas station. Petuhov died after a single punch and passed away at Sacré-Coeur Hospital on June 2.
The plea highlights a common spot in Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. It shows how anger can lead to serious consequences. It’s a story about a public place, a sudden blow, and a legal outcome tied to the Orange Julep.
Breaking development at the Montreal courthouse
At the Montreal courthouse, a major turn happened in the Orange Julep case. A Montreal boxer pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Quebec. This move narrowed the case’s focus and tied it to a man’s death near the landmark.
Plea entered to manslaughter before Justice Daniel Royer
Before Justice Daniel Royer in Quebec Superior Court, the accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court accepted this plea. Four surveillance videos were filed, showing the confrontation and the single strike.
With identity and causation no longer in question, the case moved forward.
How the guilty admission reshapes the case timeline
The plea sets key dates in the case: the late-evening clash near the Orange Julep, the hospital death, and the court appearance. This structure helps lawyers focus on the boxer’s training, the sudden event, and what happened afterward.
The case now centers on the images and the sequence they show.
Implications for sentencing under Quebec law
For manslaughter in Quebec, the sentence range is wide and depends on the facts. The court will consider aggravating and mitigating factors, like the video evidence and the location near the Orange Julep case. The court will also look at the community impact and the boxer’s actions after the incident.
A hearing date has been set for the sentencing.
| Element | Details Now Before the Court | Potential Weight at Sentencing |
|---|---|---|
| Charge | Guilty plea to manslaughter in Quebec | High, admission narrows dispute |
| Presiding judge | Justice Daniel Royer | Guides analysis within case law |
| Evidence | Four surveillance videos filed | High, shows sequence and force |
| Accused background | Montreal boxer with training | May aggravate due to specialized skill |
| Harm | Man killed in Montreal after single blow | Central to gravity of offence |
| Context | Incident linked to the Orange Julep case | Community impact considered |
Key people and places connected to the incident
The case happened on Décarie Blvd in Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. It’s near the Montreal orange julep landmark, the Orange Julep. It shows how people move and where they go, from parking lots to courtrooms.
Victim identified as Andrei Petuhov, a 50-year-old father of two
Andrei Petuhov, 50, was on his way home from work. He stopped at a McDonald’s with colleagues. A simple stop turned violent, leading to his death.
Accused named as Ismail Karaoui, a trained boxer from Montreal
Ismail Karaoui, a trained boxer, is the accused. He admitted to hitting the victim in court. His name is now linked to the case and the Orange Julep.
Quebec Superior Court and the Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce setting
The case was heard at Quebec Superior Court. Justice Daniel Royer presided over it. Four videos were shown to explain what happened.
The area around Gibeau Orange Julep, McDonald’s, and the gas station is key. It shows how a routine night turned tragic.
| Person/Place | Role in Case | Location Context | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Petuhov | Victim | McDonald’s and shared parking area | 50-year-old father of two finishing a work shift |
| Ismail Karaoui | Accused | Montreal and Décarie Blvd corridor | Trained boxer who admitted to the punch |
| Quebec Superior Court | Court venue | Downtown Montreal | Four surveillance videos entered as evidence |
| Orange Julep | Landmark | Across from the incident area | Fixed point tying together traffic, diners, and witnesses |
| Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce | Borough | Décarie Blvd corridor | High-traffic hub where the man killed in Montreal case unfolded |
What the surveillance videos revealed
Just after 10 p.m. near Orange Julep Montreal on Décarie Blvd, four surveillance videos caught a lot of activity. They show a busy scene with bright lights and people watching. The videos were taken from different angles.
Multiple angles from McDonald’s and gas station cameras
Two cameras from McDonald’s and two from gas stations captured the scene. They show everything from the curb to the checkout lane. You can see clear faces, clothes, and cars moving.
The videos don’t have much sound, but you can see people’s gestures and how they moved. All the angles match up, showing where everyone was and how the crowd moved.
The sequence: confrontation, sucker punch, collapse
The videos show a fight start after a car cut off another. The victim walked up to the Audi driver, hands up, trying to calm things down. Then, a quick punch hit him in the back of the head.
He fell hard to the ground and didn’t get up. People around him looked shocked, some took out their phones, while others moved away from the scene.
Aftermath captured: the Audi driver’s kick and crowd activity
As people gathered around the victim, the videos show the Audi driver kicking him. Some people tried to get cars to slow down, while others stayed close to the doors. The videos keep going as sirens get closer.
The cameras from McDonald’s and gas stations worked together. They showed who was there, where they were, and when it happened near Orange Julep Montreal.
| Camera Source | Viewpoint | Key Details Captured | Relevance to Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s cameras (North lot) | Wide shot of parking rows and Audi | Initial argument, hand gestures, spacing between cars | Establishes confrontation start and positions |
| McDonald’s cameras (Entrance) | Doorline and sidewalk near Décarie Blvd | Pedestrian movement, bystander reactions, phones raised | Shows crowd awareness and immediate response |
| Gas station cameras (Pump island) | Oblique angle toward Audi grille | The turn of the victim’s head and the sucker punch | Pinpoints the moment of impact |
| Gas station cameras (Cashier canopy) | High angle over traffic lane | Collapse to pavement, the Audi driver’s kick, onlookers signaling | Documents aftermath and crowd flow toward Orange Julep Montreal |
Reconstructing the events near Gibeau Orange Julep
Across from the Gibeau Orange Julep on Décarie, a late-night stop turned into a sudden driving dispute. The scene unfolded beside a McDonald’s and a gas station, a busy pocket of the Montreal orange julep corridor. Witness accounts and synchronized cameras helped map the moments now central to the Orange Julep case.
Parking-lot dispute involving a Dodge Caravan and an Audi
Andrei Petuhov arrived in a Dodge Caravan. An Audi, linked by friends to Audi West Island, cut in as both vehicles turned toward separate stalls. Voices rose. Petuhov walked to the Audi to speak with the driver while two colleagues trailed a few steps behind.
Engines clicked off and doors shut, but the tension stayed high. The argument carried over the hum of the lot, drawing quick glances from people near the burger line and pumps.
From verbal argument to physical push
Words sharpened. The exchange shifted from pointed gestures to a single shove as Petuhov pushed the Audi driver. Those nearby tried to keep space between the men, yet the driving dispute lingered even as voices dropped.
For a brief beat, Petuhov eased his stance and began to turn away, suggesting the flare-up might pass.
The fatal blow delivered while the victim looked away
At that instant, with Petuhov facing elsewhere, a closed fist struck the back of his head from behind. He fell at once, the impact echoing across the lot by the Montreal orange julep landmark. The sequence matched the angles reviewed in the Orange Julep case materials.
What started as a roadside flare-up near the Gibeau Orange Julep—a cut-off, a walk-up, a shove—ended in silence. The path from argument to collapse remains tied to the two vehicles at the heart of it: the Dodge Caravan and the Audi associated with Audi West Island.
| Element | Details Reconstructed | Source Alignment | Context Near Landmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles involved | Dodge Caravan and Audi | Consistent with accepted facts | Entered McDonald’s and gas station lots |
| Trigger | Cut-off maneuver leading to a driving dispute | Matched to surveillance sequence | Across from Gibeau Orange Julep |
| Escalation | Verbal argument followed by a push | Noted in synchronized camera views | Busy parking area near the Montreal orange julep corridor |
| Critical moment | Closed-fist strike delivered from behind | Aligned with timeline review | Immediate collapse observed on scene |
| Brand linkage | Audi affiliation referenced via Audi West Island | Contextual identification | Placed within Orange Julep case reporting |
Legal narrative from the joint statement of facts
The courtroom account is based on a detailed record. It tells of a quick turn from a normal stop to violence. A Montreal boxer plays a key role in understanding this story.
Defence submissions by lawyer Richard Tawil
In court, Richard Tawil made defence submissions based on a joint statement of facts. He talked about a visit to McDonald’s, a car dispute, and a heated argument. Andrei Petuhov pushed someone, and then a single strike was thrown while Petuhov looked away.
This sequence was presented clearly. It highlighted the timing and angles from video evidence. Tawil also mentioned the accused’s background as a Montreal boxer. This was to explain the force of the blow and the danger it posed.
Court-accepted facts and evidentiary threshold
At the Quebec Superior Court, Justice Daniel Royer accepted the plea after watching four surveillance clips. The evidence was enough to prove identity and causation through video and timestamps.
The court agreed on the sequence of events: approach, brief contact, push, and then the strike. The victim’s immediate fall and medical findings matched the video evidence.
How manslaughter applies in sudden altercation cases
Canadian manslaughter law says an unlawful act causing death can be liable, even without intent to kill. A single blow in a sudden fight can be enough if it leads to death.
The court looked at the moment of impact, the victim’s vulnerability, and the Montreal boxer’s training. These factors help understand the risk and foreseeability in such disputes.
| Element | What the Court Considered | Source in Record | Relevance to Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity and Presence | Clear visuals of the accused and the victim at the scene | Four synchronized surveillance videos | Meets evidentiary threshold for who acted |
| Sequence of Events | McDonald’s stop, lane dispute, shove, single strike, collapse | Joint statement of facts read by counsel | Establishes causative flow |
| Use of Force | Decisive strike delivered as the victim looked away | Court-accepted facts and video angles | Supports unlawful act analysis under manslaughter law |
| Expertise/Training | Background as a Montreal boxer raised during submissions | Defence submissions by Richard Tawil | Informs foreseeability and risk of serious harm |
| Causation | Impact followed by swift collapse and fatal head injury | Surveillance corroboration and admitted facts | Links act to outcome for Quebec Superior Court review |
Orange Julep
The Gibeau Orange Julep stands tall on Décarie Blvd, a beacon for friends to meet. On busy nights, its glow attracts drivers and pedestrians. The area buzzes with music, laughter, and headlights.
The lighting and movement make the area well watched. Cameras from nearby stores capture moments, adding to the area’s public memory. This is why the Orange Julep Montreal is so well-known.
Car-culture meetups make the orange dome a social hub. Regulars enjoy family drinks, show off cars, and pass through. The phrase “orange julip” is as common as orders at the counter.
Across the boulevard, the Orange Julep is a reference point. It’s a meeting spot and a design feature. For many, it’s a key part of Montreal’s identity, remembered in headlines and the Décarie corridor’s hum.
Timeline: from May 31, 2023, to the guilty plea
The Orange Julep timeline starts with a late-evening drive that turned tense and violent. Investigators used four surveillance feeds to create a detailed timeline. This timeline was key to building a manslaughter case for a man killed in Montreal.
Incident at approximately 10 p.m. across from the iconic landmark
On May 31, 2023, around 10 p.m., a dispute near Gibeau Orange Julep turned violent quickly. Words turned to a sudden strike, and the victim fell hard to the ground. First responders found him unresponsive.
June 2, 2023: hospitalisation, life support, and death at Sacré-Coeur
Paramedics rushed the victim to Sacré-Coeur Hospital, where he was put on life support. Despite the best care, he didn’t get better. By June 2, 2023, he was declared dead, a key moment in the Orange Julep timeline and for the victim’s family.
Autopsy findings: fractured skull and cause of death
Forensic results showed a fractured skull, matching the impact seen on video. These findings helped guide the charges and supported the journey from investigation to guilty plea. This marked the end of this timeline in court.
Flight from Canada and international movements
Records in the Orange Julep case show quick travel and digital signs after a late-night fight in nontreal. They link Montreal boxer travel to Europe and quick messages after news broke.
Departure to Italy and onward travel to France
The accused left Canada for Italy on the day Andrei Petuhov was declared dead, then went to France. This travel is part of the timeline built by investigators and presented in court.
Airline and customs data, along with timeline checks, show how the trip went. The journey from Montreal to Italy and then France matches key dates in the Orange Julep case.
Text message references to news of the death
While abroad, he got a text with a link to news about Petuhov’s death. He replied, saying he already knew and was in France, not Canada.
Investigators summed up the exchange to clarify what he knew and when. The messages, along with travel records, create a detailed log of events.
What cross-border travel could mean for sentencing considerations
Post-offence conduct, like cross-border travel, may affect sentencing in manslaughter cases. Courts look at accountability, timing, and if movements suggest avoiding the consequences.
In this case, the court has the Montreal boxer travel timeline and text message evidence. These details help judges understand his actions after the incident in Canada and while in Italy and France.
Community impact near Montreal’s Décarie Blvd corridor
The area around Décarie Blvd is always bustling, even at night. The Montreal Orange Julep, McDonald’s, and a busy gas station attract people. Families, shift workers, and teens make these spots lively.
Local landmarks mentioned: McDonald’s, gas station, and the Julep
These spots are close together, making it easy to capture what happens. The Montreal Orange Julep shines bright, while McDonald’s and the gas station are landmarks. They help police and locals understand the area’s activity.
Public safety concerns in busy late-evening hotspots
As night falls, safety in Montreal is a big topic. People talk about better lighting, more patrols, and calming signs. Simple rules for parking and clear exits can help avoid trouble.
How high-profile incidents shape neighbourhood perception
Tragedies seen by many change how people see a place. Families remember a father of two, and vigils are held on Décarie Blvd. Loss is felt deeply, tied to places like Salon Funéraire Lajeunesse Fortin Cenac.
Media coverage and public record
The Montreal Gazette covers this case with the standards readers expect. Reporters use the public record to follow each hearing. They check times and names tied to the Orange Julep scene, known as the julep salon.
This method keeps details accurate and avoids speculation.
Reporting lineage associated with the Montreal Gazette
The Gazette’s courthouse reporting has earned trust over years. They check filings, docket notes, and joint statements to ensure updates are correct. When new video or transcripts come in, they compare them to the public record before publishing.
Context of similar courthouse coverage by Paul Cherry
Justice reporter Paul Cherry sets a high standard. His articles explain plea deals, hearing dates, and sentencing clearly. He connects courthouse events to Montreal’s crime scene without losing legal detail.
Why verified sources matter for case updates
Verified sources are key in fast-moving cases. They prevent mistakes. Court exhibits, police summaries, and sworn statements provide solid information, even when social media is unreliable.
This approach ensures the Gazette’s reporting is reliable on the julep salon and other courthouse events.
| Source Type | What It Confirms | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public record (dockets, filings) | Charges, dates, courtroom assignments | Authoritative, timestamped, searchable | May lag real-time developments |
| Verified sources (joint statements, evidence) | Agreed facts, video details, timelines | Corroborated by parties and court | Access can be restricted or redacted |
| Reporter notes from hearings | Live updates, quotes, context | Direct observation inside court | Subject to human error if not cross-checked |
| Established coverage by Paul Cherry | Continuity across related cases | Clear explanations, legal framing | Not a substitute for primary documents |
Conclusion
A traffic argument outside the Orange Julep Montreal ended in tragedy. A single punch from Ismail Karaoui, a trained Montreal boxer, killed 50-year-old Andrei Petuhov. The court accepted Karaoui’s manslaughter plea after reviewing four videos and a joint statement.
The events happened on May 31. Petuhov was put on life support and died on June 2 at Sacré-Coeur. Karaoui then traveled to Italy and France, a detail that will be considered during sentencing.
The community is deeply affected. The incident has raised concerns about public safety. It has also highlighted the importance of safety in areas where families often gather.
The justice system is now deciding on a suitable sentence. The Montreal Gazette has provided detailed coverage of the case. Local services, like Salon Funéraire Lajeunesse Fortin Cenac in LaSalle, have also been mentioned in discussions.
Search trends show the case’s impact across Canada. People are searching for terms like “boxer near me” and following updates on the case. The community is focused on remembering the victim and seeking justice.