A conviction for a trash fire seven years ago
The investigation – although it did not make it possible to define the real causes of the fire – nevertheless revealed a few clusters of clues which led to the defendant being implicated. Video surveillance showed him returning home an hour before the incident, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, with a cigarette stuck to his ear. His criminal record included, seven years previously, a conviction for a trash fire.
“A profile in no way establishes guilt”
But the experts will not be able to agree; nor to clearly identify the origin of the fire. For one of them, it was not a cigarette butt thrown inadvertently that caused it. Me Nicolle will proclaim it: “He certainly has the profile. But a profile in no way establishes guilt. »
Other hypotheses and other possible avenues
Prosecutor Bouhey herself admits that there are other hypotheses and other possible avenues. That of a voluntary act was also mentioned, the position of the body found and the presence of other unidentified people on site had also left the investigators circumspect.
Announcing a cruel lack of tangible information on the origin of the disaster, the court's decision on Monday surprised no one. Steve was given the benefit of the doubt.
