A reckless young man who fired his firearm at three strangers in the middle of the DIX30 district has just been sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison for his “completely disproportionate” act, which even left one of the victims paralyzed.
• Also read: Gunshots at DIX30: a single suspect allegedly fired in the direction of the victims
• Also read: One of his victims is paralyzed: a young shooter who opened fire at DIX30 risks a long prison sentence
“What a sad affair… In a few seconds, it degenerated, it was completely out of proportion,” said Judge Magali Lepage on Tuesday at the Longueuil courthouse.
Standing in front of her was Badreddine El Aidam, a 22-year-old Montrealer guilty of shooting three people he didn’t even know on July 29, 2023.
At the time of the tragedy, the young accused was in a vehicle with another individual when the latter argued with other people.
A scuffle then broke out and then, suddenly, El Aidam took out a pistol, firing at the people who were there.
Serious injuries
Three people were seriously injured, including a man who has been left paralysed in one leg.
“His sciatic nerve has been severed, he has no feeling anymore, he is awaiting an operation. [chirurgicale]explained M.e Marie-Soleil Leclerc of the Crown. He still wonders why it happened, he is still in a state of incomprehension.”
Another man, who injured his leg, has still not been able to return to work as a roofer. And because of the after-effects, he can no longer play sports with his children.
“I hope my injuries will heal,” Alexandre Urbain-Lapierre commented to Newspaper. The sentence [mardi]it’s a weight lifted, I was looking forward to it. When my leg is better, I’ll be able to breathe.”
Alexandre Urbain-Lapierre, victim of Badreddine El Aidam, who opened fire on individuals at DIX30 last July, at the Longueuil courthouse, in Longueuil, on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Photo QMI Agency, JOËL LEMAY
He also wanted to thank the judge, who said some encouraging words about him while wishing him to “recover and find happiness.”
The third injured man, who still has difficulty walking, continues to have nightmares, the Crown said, adding that it wanted the accused to “realize the great seriousness” of his crimes.
Three people were the target of gunfire in a Dix30 parking lot located in Brossard, on Saturday, July 29, 2023. THIERRY LAFORCE / AGENCE QMI
Photo QMI Agency, Thierry Laforce
He says he takes responsibility
After the events, El Aidam fled, but was found shortly afterwards thanks to a witness who was able to describe the suspicious vehicle to the police.
The young gunman, who has since been detained, apologized on Tuesday, saying he was ready to “face the consequences.”
But the prison sentence will not repair the harm done to the victims, Mr.e Gary Martin of the defense.
“You have to think before you act,” he told the court. “All this could have been avoided, it’s a tragedy for everyone.”
Given the pre-trial detention, El Aidam will have completed serving his sentence in just under 10 years.
