A sweeping police operation across Quebec and Ontario has led to the arrest of 13 people in connection with the killing of a 45-year-old Quebec City woman, mistakenly targeted in a gang hit meant for her son.
Jennifer Morin was gunned down in December 2024 at her home. On Tuesday, Quebec City police confirmed her murder was a tragic case of mistaken identity — her killers had been hunting her son, Jeffrey Morin, a convicted drug trafficker linked to the violent Blood Family Mafia.
Major operation
The arrests involved suspects aged 18 to 51. Six appeared in court Tuesday facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Capt. Marie-Manon Savard said more than 200 officers from Quebec police, Ontario Provincial Police, and local departments carried out raids at 14 locations, including an apartment building in Montreal’s Lachine borough.
“It’s an extremely vast police operation, an investigation that included an enormous amount of analysis,” Savard said.
One of those arrested was already detained at the Quebec City detention centre on unrelated charges.
Gang turf wars
Police believe the hit was part of an escalating turf war. The Blood Family Mafia, a rising street gang, has been battling the Hells Angels for control of Quebec’s drug markets, leading to a series of killings.
Jeffrey Morin himself pleaded guilty in July to drug and weapons trafficking charges. Court records revealed he was selling cocaine and semi-automatic assault weapons to an undercover officer. Days after his mother’s death, Morin told the officer he would be late with a shipment because of the killing. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.
Mistaken tragedy
Investigators say Jennifer Morin had no ties to organized crime. She was targeted only because of her son’s gang involvement.
The case highlights the collateral damage of Quebec’s gang wars — where family members and bystanders are increasingly caught in the crossfire.
