Strip bar waitress accused of fatally beating customer

A waitress at a dancing establishment in Longueuil allegedly fatally struck an intoxicated customer who was walking between vehicles leaving the bars, the lawsuit alleges.

Ariane Desgroseillers Lafrance, 33, has been undergoing her jury trial for manslaughter since Tuesday morning at the Longueuil courthouse.

On June 2, 2022, Pierre Landry, 70, went to the Vegas bar in Longueuil, an establishment with nude dancers. He already seemed intoxicated when he arrived around 11 p.m., explained Crown prosecutor M^e Julien Tardif.

“He is festive, but apart from his state of intoxication, nothing particular is noted regarding his behavior during the evening,” noted the one who teams up with M^e Julie Vincent.

No interaction between the accused and the victim took place during the evening, according to the evidence that the Crown intends to present.

Fatal blow

When leaving the bars around 3:00 a.m., Mr. Landry allegedly took an emergency exit leading him into the outdoor parking lot, where the Desgroseillers Lafrance vehicle was parked.

“Images from exterior surveillance cameras show Mr. Landry walking between vehicles, using support to maintain his balance,” underlined Mr.^e Late.

When the accused left the bar, she noticed the presence of the victim. She then sat in her car.

“A few seconds later, the accused got out of her vehicle, went around it, and according to the prosecution struck Mr. Landry in the left eye. He then falls, hitting his head violently,” M explained to the jury.^e Late during his opening statement.

The victim was unconscious when paramedics arrived. His death was noted on June 5, 2022.

Upcoming witnesses

The Crown will notably call witnesses from the evening at the bar, a paramedic who intervened with the victim and a crime scene technician.

The recording of a 911 call made by a co-worker will also be heard, where it would be possible to hear the accused in the background recounting her attack on Mr. Landry.

“Ariane Desgroseillers Lafrance is not accused of having intended to cause the death of Mr. Landry. She is rather accused of having voluntarily committed an illegal act, namely an assault which was objectively dangerous and which led to the death of Mr. Landry,” Ms.^e Late.

The trial, presided over by Judge Daniel Royer, will continue for a few weeks.