A Hells Angels incarcerated for murder for 14 years and one of the last members of this motorcycle gang still detained in the wake of Operation SharQc, Claude Morin, will be able to go to a halfway house, the parole board members of the Canada Monday.
Morin, 53, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2012 for the murder of drug trafficker Daniel Savard, committed towards the end of the biker war, in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques- Cartier, in February 2000.
Savard was sitting in his living room quietly watching television when Morin pulled the trigger on his rifle and killed him instantly.
Claude Morin was then accompanied by Dayle Fredette, who later became a police collaborator, and it was following this turnaround that Morin decided to plead guilty in 2012.
“I shot because I had shooting skills. I was a hunter since childhood,” Morin told parole boarders.
PHOTO THE PRESS
Claude Morin about five years ago.
“For the family of the victim, this is immeasurable suffering. I have created a void that will never be filled. I have committed the irreparable”.
“I am aware of the harm I have done. The greatest thing that can be taken from a human being is their life. After that, yes, we think about it, we try to forget and we succeed,” said Morin, adding that he did not fear reprisals.
“I’m much more afraid of karma,” he said.
Bikers near his home
Claude Morin started using drugs in his early teens. At 16, he left the family nest without the consent of his parents, to get closer to the bikers who passed in front of his house to go to the premises of El Toros.
“It was impressive to see 25 or 30 bicycles go by. The colors, the gang, the sense of belonging, impressing everyone around me despite my small stature, impressing the girls,” Morin described.
It was when he rose through the ranks of the organization and started selling drugs that he started making money.
“Because before, I was badly arranged. I lived in the local for a long time except when I had a girlfriend. I have been eating for a long time Cheez Whiz “, he explained.
While authorities consider Morin disaffiliated from the Hells Angels in 2012, he says he left on good terms in November 2010 and that his decision was made at the same time he chose to plead. guilty for the murder of Daniel Savard.
“I told all the members of the Quebec section: ‘I’m leaving and when we leave, we won’t see each other again, it’s over.’ The guys all understood and wished me good luck,” said Morin.
Return of the pendulum
Claude Morin completed 140 outings with a correctional escort and maintained good behavior in detention.
Since he’s been in a minimum, he’s been working in the kitchens. During his long incarceration, he always preferred to walk alone in the penitentiary yard.
” I was tanned to hear about crime. That’s just what people talk about. They want to upgrade. I became overflowing,” he explained.
Today, Morin has taken refuge in meditation and spirituality, which he talked about a lot during the hearing.
His only job in life has been selling drugs, substances whose effects he laments today.
“Strong drugs will cause serious emotional injury and destroy lives. In addition to personal wounds, there are family wounds. The money of the families who leave, of the children who suffer. I lived on addiction and the misery of people. It’s the return of the pendulum and the misery comes back to me, ”testified the former biker.
Rebuild your life
Once released, Morin no longer wants to live in Beauce, his native region, so as not to make chance encounters.
Despite a disability, his main goals are to find a rewarding job that will allow him to live well, and to meet a woman with whom he can end his life.
“My biggest challenge will be building a circle of friends and being transparent in building it. Hopefully it goes well and a few aren’t too judgmental,” he said.
After a short deliberation, despite having a “scary record”, having killed a person in cold blood and adhering to the values of a criminal organization, the parole board members agreed to send Morin to a halfway house while prohibiting him from communicating with people involved in the crime and from going to places where alcohol is sold, except the SAQ.
“What concerns the commission is that you might overestimate your abilities. In community, the march will be high. Not to scare you, but over the past 20 years, many things have changed. This will require strength and vigilance on your part,” warned Commissioner Jessie Landry-Marquis, inviting him not to hesitate to ask for help.
To reach Daniel Renaud, dial 514 285-7000, extension 4918, write [email protected] or write to the postal address of La Presse.