The verdict is in, Keven Labrie is found guilty of the second degree murder of Jean-Philippe Bélanger. The 12 members of the jury rendered a unanimous decision, after less than a day of deliberation.
It’s always something very painful to attend a trial, to hear the end of a loved one, how it unfolded. But the family is very satisfied with the verdict rendered.
It was from his cell in Percé prison that the accused attended the verdict.
Criminal and penal prosecutor Sébastien Lemieux considers that the evidence presented, which corroborated the presence of a witness at the time of the facts, was solid.
This witness reported having witnessed the crime scene on May 3, 2022. According to the prosecutor, this is what would have allowed the jury to determine the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt of the 39-year-old man.
The events took place in an apartment in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. The victim received 15 stab wounds before succumbing to his injuries two days later in a Quebec hospital.
The Crown called a dozen witnesses to the stand, while the defense called none in this trial which lasted approximately two weeks.
Invited to comment on the jury’s decision, Keven Labrie’s lawyer, Me Hugo Caissy, affirmed that the jury had made the decision which seemed right to him, without further comment.
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Me Hugo Caissy is Keven Labrie’s lawyer.
Photo : - / Martin Toulgoat
Keven Labrie could thus receive a life sentence.
He will return to court on January 10 at the Percé courthouse for sentencing recommendations.
It is at this time that Judge Guy de Blois will determine the number of years of incarceration before Keven Labrie is eligible for parole.
For second degree murder, this duration varies between 10 and 25 years.
With information from Martin Toulgoat
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