Still labeled as the “main suspect” in the murder of little Cédrika Provencher, Jonathan Bettez promised to deliver his version as part of his $10 million lawsuit against the Sûreté du Québec, hoping to prove that the police acted badly in this investigation which has still not been concluded after 16 years.
• Read also: Murder of Cédrika Provencher: Jonathan Bettez ruled out by eyewitnesses
“[Les policiers] followed him night and day, searched his computers, his cell phone, monitored what he did on the internet, tapped him, interrogated him for 14 hours… they put pressure on his family and friends …How to explain that we have not found any tangible elements [pour l’inculper]?» cursed Me Jessy Héroux, Monday at the Montreal courthouse.
Accompanied by Jonathan Bettez and the latter’s parents, the lawyer insisted that his client had nothing to do with the disappearance and murder of little Cédrika in Trois-Rivières in 2007. This affair had caused turmoil in across Quebec, but no one was ever charged, even after the discovery of the 9-year-old girl’s bones in 2015.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Always suspicious
However, a person has been suspected by the police for several years. This is Jonathan Bettez, whom the police have already tried to trap during a major operation, but without success.
He was then charged in connection with child pornography, but the charges were dropped because the evidence had been improperly obtained.
“Everything that has been done to keep it out [des suspects] didn’t bear fruit, no way [d’enquête] did not allow it to be put aside,” investigator Chantal Daudelin testified in court this Monday.
Court documents indicate that he is still considered the “main suspect” in this case.
“Looking forward to testifying”
Claiming to be a victim of police harassment, Bettez and his family then filed a $10 million civil suit against the Sûreté du Québec and the State. According to them, the police did everything to convince the population that Jonathan Bettez would be a murderer and a pedophile.
“What the family [Bettez] most wants is for the police to be held accountable for how they conducted the investigation into the murder and disappearance of Cédrika Provencher, said Me Heroux. The civil suit was filed for that.”
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
It is in this context that Bettez appeared in court this Monday.
“He can’t wait to testify,” assured Me Heroux.
Jonathan Bettez [en arrière-plan] while his lawyer Me Jessy Héroux made a statement to the media, this Monday, January 22, 2024 at the Montreal courthouse.
Journal de Montréal, Michaël Nguyen
Secret requested
This testimony, which will be closely scrutinized, may however be delayed, since Monday’s hearing was devoted to a request from the Attorney General of Quebec, who wishes, among other things, that portions of the file be kept secret, under the pretext that the investigation is still ongoing.
“Countless techniques were used, according to investigator Daudelin. If the public knew about them, it would make police work to solve crimes very difficult.”
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Betez’s lawyer, for his part, wants everything to be public.
“We want transparency,” said M.e Heroux. If the public has all the information, they will be able to make up their own mind.”
The hearings, which are a sort of prelude to the trial on the merits, are scheduled before Judge Gregory Moore for the entire week.
SIX IMPORTANT DATES
July 31, 2007
Cédrika Provencher is kidnapped near a park in Trois-Rivières while she helps a man look for a small dog.
September 2007
The SQ reveals the description of a suspect vehicle: it is a red Acura like Bettez owned at the time. As for the individual who allegedly approached the child, we are talking about a brown man, of average bones, in his thirties.
December 11, 2015
Three hunters found bones in a wooded area of Saint-Maurice, along Highway 40. The police confirmed the next day that they were those of Cédrika Provencher.
August 29, 2016
Arrest of Jonathan Bettez in relation to child pornography.
October 12, 2018
Bettez was acquitted of possession of child pornography. The judge is scathing towards the police officers whose investigation consisted of “a fishing expedition”.
August 21, 2019
Filing of Bettez’s civil suit against the SQ.