Two officers from the Richelieu Saint-Laurent police force are facing sanctions for their intervention preceding the murder of Daphné Huard-Boudreault, killed by her violent ex-partner in 2017.
• Also read: Murder of Daphné Huard-Boudreault: family sues police
Indeed, according to a judgment rendered by the Court of Quebec on Tuesday, Brigitte Légaré and Martin Fisette committed a fault in their management of the event of March 22, 2017, the day when the 18-year-old young woman was stabbed to death by Anthony Pratte-Lopps. The latter made a mistake by letting the victim go alone to the apartment where the suspect, sentenced to life in prison in 2019, was waiting for him.
It was determined by the court that the police had the power to apprehend the suspect, even if no complaint had been made against him, underlined Virginie Dufresne-Lemire, the lawyer who represents Éric Boudreault, the young woman’s father.
“The police could have asked Daphne to stay at the police station and go and secure the place, check if he was there,” she argued.
Moreover, the information that the authorities had on the days preceding the event, in addition to Mr. Pratte-Lops’ history of domestic violence, was sufficient to justify intervention, said the lawyer.
“The judge concluded that he could not be located. This is false, the police should have taken the necessary steps, should have gone to check the apartment,” she added.
The police force did not react to the court’s decision since a civil suit is underway.
Police officers now face suspension without pay or dismissal.
The case will return to court on Wednesday.
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