Jurors have begun deliberating in the high-profile murder trial of Charles Lassonde, accused of killing Serge Boutin in July 2021. Judge Claude Villeneuve provided detailed instructions, emphasizing the necessity of a unanimous verdict and the presumption of innocence. Conflicting testimonies have emerged, particularly regarding the circumstances of Boutin’s death. As deliberations proceed, jurors are sequestered and prohibited from outside communication, ensuring their focus on the case amidst ongoing media coverage.
Jurors Begin Deliberations in High-Profile Murder Trial
The 12 jurors tasked with determining the fate of Charles Lassonde, accused of first-degree murder, are now sequestered as they commence their deliberations. This critical phase follows a lengthy trial that has captured public attention.
Charles Lassonde, 52, hailing from Victoriaville, faces allegations of murdering Serge Boutin during the night of July 6 to 7 in Danville. The jury was officially reduced to 12 members on Tuesday morning, marking the standard number required for deliberation.
Judge’s Instructions and the Weight of Responsibility
Judge Claude Villeneuve provided the jurors with comprehensive guidance, presenting them with 134 pages of instructions. At the beginning of his address, he emphasized, “Your responsibility is heavy and should not be taken lightly,” reminding them that a unanimous verdict is essential.
He reiterated the pivotal principles stemming from the presumption of innocence, which state that the burden of proof lies with the Crown and that guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
During his instructions, the judge illustrated a decision tree outlining the potential verdicts the jury could arrive at, including:
- Guilty of first-degree murder
- Not guilty of first-degree murder but guilty of second-degree murder
- Not guilty of first-degree murder but guilty of manslaughter
- Not guilty
He elaborated on the conflicting testimonies regarding the events of that fateful night in July 2021. Notably, Lana Dubois, the accused’s former partner, testified that the victim had been buried alive. In contrast, Lassonde’s defense claimed that Boutin was already deceased when Lana allegedly struck him with a rock.
Additionally, the judge raised concerns about Dubois’s credibility, highlighting her past offenses and potential motives tied to her cooperation with authorities, which could influence her testimony regarding Boutin’s death.
Judge Villeneuve concluded by reminding the jury that they hold the power to determine the veracity of Lassonde’s testimony.
Jury Sequestration and Trial Developments
As the jury enters sequestered deliberations, media coverage continues, providing insights into the trial proceedings without the jurors’ presence. Notably, one juror was dismissed early in the trial for alleged inattentiveness, drawing attention from legal representatives and court officials alike.
Furthermore, the defense’s attempt to have Lassonde acquitted based on unreasonable trial delays was rejected by Judge Villeneuve. The timeline indicated that the trial had exceeded the 30-month limit following the charges filed in August 2021, yet the judge found that exceptional circumstances warranted the extended timeline.
In a related matter, the defense sought to introduce letters from Dubois that reflected her feelings for Lassonde, while the Crown attempted to submit letters from Lassonde to Dubois. However, the judge denied the Crown’s request due to insufficient proof regarding the authorship of the letters.
As the deliberation process unfolds, the jurors are prohibited from communicating with their families or using their cell phones, ensuring their focus remains solely on the case at hand.