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Steeve Gagnon Found Guilty in amqui Truck Attack
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The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of Steeve Gagnon, the perpetrator of the Amqui truck attack.
Steeve Gagnon has been found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder using a motor vehicle. The verdict confirms Gagnon as the perpetrator of the attack in Amqui.
On March 13, 2023, Steeve Gagnon drove to boulevard Saint-Benoît in Amqui and intentionally struck pedestrians on the sidewalk. The tragic event resulted in multiple casualties, including two children who survived with injuries.
The attack claimed the lives of three men: Jean Lafrenière, Gérald Charest, and Simon-Guillaume Bourget. Three other individuals sustained serious injuries.
Steeve Gagnon has been sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for 25 years.
Following the verdict, Dionne stated, But we can hope that the trial which has just ended helps a little bit to mourn this tragedy.
The judge, in his concluding remarks, urged steeve Gagnon to reflect on the harm he inflicted on the victims during his incarceration. In response, a man in the gallery reportedly made an obscene gesture toward the accused.
“We were confident of our proof”
“The jury did his job, they deliberated two days. I am reassured about the seriousness of the work they have done. […] EveryoneS rights have been respected”
After the trial, crown prosecutors praised the very good collaboration of all witnesses
which greatly facilitated
their work.
Prosecutors explained to witnesses the necessity of the trial, emphasizing All these people were met one by one. They were explained to them what Canadian law, the presumption of innocence.
We took the time to explain the choice of the accused to make his trial, and the duty of the public prosecutor at that time to prove any doubt.
Me Simon Blanchette and Me Jérôme Simard pleaded the premeditation of the gestures of Steeve Gagnon in the case of the attack on the amqui-beer truck.
Photo : Radio-Canada
Me Hugo Caissy, representing the defense, acknowledged the jury’s dedication during the trial, stating, The jury did his job, they deliberated two days. I am reassured about the seriousness of the work they have done. […] Everyone’s rights have been respected
A fortnight to present proof
the trial spanned five weeks, totaling 17 days. The jury heard testimony from 48 witnesses, with 46 presented by the prosecution.
From the outset, both the prosecution and defense acknowledged that Steeve Gagnon was driving the van when it struck pedestrians in Amqui’s city center.
The trial primarily focused on determining Gagnon’s intent and weather the act was premeditated.
An aerial view of boulevard Saint-Benoit ouest, in Amqui, where a dozen pedestrians were caught up in Steeve Gagnon, behind the wheel of its van. (Archives photo)
Photo: Canadian press / jacques Boissinot
Steeve Gagnon was described as facing financial difficulties and the end of his unemployment benefits following a sick leave. He was also awaiting a hospital follow-up for back pain.
A psychiatrist who evaluated Steeve Gagnon 18 months after the incident testified that Gagnon exhibited delusional ideas of a paranoid and persecutory nature.
According to his medical records, the 40-year-old had experienced psychotic episodes in the past. However, the psychiatrist stated that Steeve Gagnon’s disorder did not significantly influence his actions during the events and that he could generally distinguish between right and wrong.
The defense,represented by Me Caissy,has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is first-degree murder?
First-degree murder typically involves premeditation, meaning the act was planned in advance. It carries the most severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
What does a life sentence without parole for 25 years mean?
it means the individual must serve at least 25 years in prison before being eligible to apply for parole. Parole is not guaranteed and depends on various factors, including behavior and rehabilitation.
What is the role of a psychiatrist in a trial like this?
A psychiatrist evaluates the defendant’s mental state to determine if they suffer from any mental disorders that could have influenced their actions. This information can be crucial in determining intent and culpability.
