Benjamin Soudin pleaded guilty to having violently killed his ex-spouse Myriam Dallaire and her mother last March, in a context of domestic violence.
He recorded these pleas Friday morning at the Saint-Jérôme courthouse, when his trial was already set. It was supposed to take place in September.
Judge Catherine Perreault of the Superior Court accepted these pleas and found him guilty of the crimes charged.
A conviction for second degree murder automatically carries a life sentence. The parole ineligibility period ranges from 10 to 25 years.
Here, the Crown prosecutor and Soudin’s lawyer presented a joint sentencing suggestion to the judge, namely prison for a minimum of 18 years before the man could appear before the parole board.
On March 1, the 34-year-old man showed up at his ex-spouse’s home in Sainte-Sophie, in the Laurentians, shortly after the 28-year-old young woman ended their relationship. They had just had a child, who was then only a few months old.
He violently killed the two women with an axe. Their lifeless bodies were found in their home following a 911 call.
They were transported to a hospital center, where the death of the 60-year-old mother was confirmed. Myriam Dallaire succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Within minutes of the event, the accused fled the scene and collided with another vehicle, to end his life, he said. He seriously injured the other driver and so pleaded guilty Friday morning to one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Soudin has a criminal history, including domestic violence.
The judge will deliver her sentencing decision later Friday, in front of the relatives of the two victims, who fill the courtroom.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can contact SOS Violence conjugale at 1 800 363-9010.