MONTREAL -- Montreal may match last year's total of 86 murder victims as three recent consecutive murders pushed the 1982 murder total toward 80, a police spokesman said Wednesday.
Two murders late Tuesday at the Brasserie Des Pivoines (Peony Tavern) in the city's east-end brought the city's total number of murders to 79.
Police said a lone suspect, wearing a woolen ski mask and gloves, fired numerous shots as he entered the tavern.
Two victims were struck in the head -- Denis Julien, 32, who worked as a waiter and his 29-year old brother, Jocelyn, a bar patron. Both were pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
Police said the shooting may have been a settling of accounts related to drugs.
Earlier this week, a 23-year old corner grocery store employee in north-end Montreal was shot dead by a lone robber who fled without cash. He was the 77th murder victims of the year.
The city recorded its highest total of murders in 1975 with 112 deaths, many as a result of a gangland slaying.
