Murder trial: Al Ballouz will receive his sentence on Friday

Mohamad Al Ballouz, who now presents himself as a woman named Levana, will receive his sentence on Friday, after being found guilty of the second degree murder of his partner and their two young children in September 2022, in Brossard.

The accused was found guilty on Monday of the second degree murder of Synthia Bussières and the first degree murder of their two boys, Eliam, five, and Zac, two.

Ballouz, who was Ms. Bussières’s husband at the time of the murders in September 2022, was also found guilty of arson after trying to set fire to the family apartment located in Brossard, on the South Shore of Montreal.

According to the Crown, Mohamad Al Ballouz allegedly stabbed his partner 23 times, then suffocated his two children with a pillow before finally drinking windshield washer fluid to try to end his life.

At least 11 of the stab wounds were defensive injuries, which suggests, again according to the Crown, that Ms. Bussières fought for her life.

Dispatched to the crime scene after a fire alarm was triggered in the building, firefighters discovered the body of Synthia Bussières, who was bathing in a pool of blood in the bathroom.

Ballouz, who represented herself, ultimately did not present a defense. The 38-year-old woman instead pleaded that it was Ms. Bussières who killed their children and who attacked her; a thesis that the jury quickly rejected, just one day after going into isolation.

Judge Eric Downs heard a statement on Wednesday from the victim’s mother, Sylvie Guertin, on the repercussions of this tragedy in her life. He also heard the Crown’s arguments regarding the sentence to be imposed.

Prosecutors also called one of Ms. Bussières’ friends to the stand.

Ballouz further denigrates the victim

Sylvie Guertin spoke about the pain she has endured over the past two years. On September 25, 2022, my life and that of my entire family fell apartshe said during the trial.

She recalled the indescribable pain and suffering she felt when the time came to break the sad news of the death of her daughter and two grandchildren to her second daughter.

I have no words to express to you the extent to which the accused, Mohamad Al Ballouz, has had a serious impact on my life, that of my family and that of Synthia’s friends.added Ms. Guertin. His actions ensured that I buried my daughter and my two grandchildren.

Ms. Guertin also described the impact this 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 anymore. I love you, my little Synthia. You left too soon with your two little angels

Justice Downs further describedincommensurable the pain of Ms. Guertin, emphasizing that she was extremely strong. You are a victim three times, three people dead, and also a process that was very difficult. I wish you peacehe said.

After spending months dragging out the proceedings, before finally deciding to represent herself at trial, Levana Ballouz maintained that she was a good mother and defamed Ms. Bussières once again, 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 the accused in her tirade.

He later barred the accused from speaking further to the court. The judge also refused the publication of his letter and its contents, describing the remarks as defamatory and slanderous.

Eligible for parole?

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.

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