Al Ballouz, who now goes by the name Levana Ballouz, was convicted Monday by a jury of the second-degree murder of Synthia Bussières and the first-degree murder of their two boys, Eliam, five, and Zac, two years.
Ballouz, who was Ms. Bussières’s husband at the time of the murders in September 2022, was also found guilty of arson for setting fire to the family apartment in Brossard, on the South Shore, in the Montreal region .
The trial was told that Ms Bussières, aged 38, was stabbed 23 times and the two boys were then killed, before Al Ballouz drank windshield washer fluid and set a fire to destroy evidence.
At least 11 of the knife wounds were defensive wounds, suggesting, according to the Crown, that Ms. Bussières fought for her life.
Ballouz, who represented himself alone, ultimately did not present a defense. She argued that it was Ms. Bussières who killed the children and attacked him, a theory that the jury quickly rejected, just one day after going into isolation.
Judge Eric Downs, of the Superior Court in Longueuil, heard on Wednesday a statement from Synthia Bussières’ mother, Sylvie Guertin, on the repercussions of this tragedy, then the Crown’s arguments on the sentence to impose. Prosecutors also called one of Ms. Bussières’ friends and filed first responder impact statements.
Ballouz further denigrates the victim
Sylvie Guertin spoke of the pain she endured over the past two years and gave thanks for waiting for justice. “On September 25, 2022, my life and that of my entire family collapsed,” Ms. Guertin told the judge. She recalled the indescribable pain and suffering of having to break the news of the deaths of her daughter and two grandchildren to her other daughter.
“Mr. Judge, I have no words to express to you the extent to which the accused Mohammad Al Ballouz has had serious repercussions on my life, that of my family and that of Cynthia’s friends,” added Ms. Guertin. The actions of Mohammad Al Ballouz ensured that I buried my daughter and my two grandchildren.”
Guertin also described the impact the trial had on her, including hearing first responders and other witnesses describe the heartbreaking discovery of her daughter and grandchildren. She assured the court that nothing could erase the memories etched in her heart and mind.
“I don’t know where you are, Synthia, but surely with Eliam and Zac, and my mother’s heart means that no one will be able to make you suffer again. I love you, my little Synthia. You left too soon with your two little angels.”
Judge Downs described Ms Guertin’s pain as “immeasurable” and said it was “extremely severe”.
“You are a victim three times, three people dead, and also a process that was very difficult. I wish you peace,” he said.
Convictions of first-degree murder carry an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years. It remains to be determined the eligibility for parole for the second degree murder of Ms. Bussières, which can range from 10 to 25 years.
The jury had suggested a period of ineligibility of 21 years, while the Crown asked the judge for a sentence of 18 to 22 years. Prosecutor Éric Nadeau also asked for a sentence of five to seven years for the arson.
Ballouz, who spent months dragging out the proceedings before finally deciding to represent herself at trial, maintained that she was a “good mother” and defamed Ms. Bussières once again on Wednesday, in a final address to the judge.
Reading from a letter, Ballouz argued that Ms. Bussières hated her mother, prompting Ms. Guertin to storm out of the courtroom. Judge Downs quickly interrupted Ballouz in his tirade and ultimately barred him from addressing the court further. The judge also banned the publication of the letter and its contents, describing the comments as “defamatory and slanderous”.
“That remains the truth, Judge,” Ballouz responded to Judge Downs, who will pronounce sentence Friday.
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