The preliminary investigation of Pierre Ny St-Amand, accused of having taken the lives of two children in addition to injuring six others after driving into a daycare in Laval with a bus, ended Thursday at the courthouse of Saint-Jérôme.
While the lawyers’ pleadings are finished, Judge François Landry rendered his decision in the afternoon.
Prosecutor Simon Blais told reporters the Crown was satisfied with the outcome, adding he hoped for a trial in late 2024 or early 2025, depending on availability.
The case will return to court on April 11, before a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, who will decide the date of the trial, indicated Mr. Blais.
“It is always in the best interests of a court case to move quickly, both for the families of the victims and for the accused himself and his family.”
Pierre Ny St-Amand was charged with two counts of first degree murder as well as seven other counts.
Although the defense rejected premeditation and intent to take the children’s lives, it did not reject the counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
The accused was deemed fit to stand trial following a psychological evaluation carried out after his arrest at the scene of the tragedy.
Pierre Ny St-Amand’s wife testified Tuesday during the second day of the preliminary investigation. After being questioned by the Crown, the woman let out a few sobs.
Meanwhile, St-Amand looked at his wife, with a lump in his throat, from the dock. The woman of Cambodian origin used an interpreter for her interactions with the lawyers and the judge.
Several other witnesses appeared before the court this week during the preliminary investigation of Pierre Ny St-Amand.
A publication ban prevents the young victims from being identified and the evidence presented this week during the preliminary investigation from being revealed.
-With information from Marie-Pier Boucher for Noovo Info and The Canadian Press.
