The preliminary investigation into Steeve Gagnon, the man allegedly responsible for mowing down a dozen pedestrians with his van in Amqui on March 13, ended prematurely on Wednesday with the case being referred directly to trial.
Five days had been planned for this stage, which began on Monday, but this duration was overestimated on the one hand. On the other hand, the defense and the Crown agreed not to hear certain witnesses, believing that it was not necessary.
Judge Annick Boivin, of the Court of Quebec, was thus able to summon Steeve Gagnon directly to trial, the Criminal Code allowing an investigation of proceedings to be ended when the parties agree to this effect.
The case was postponed until June 3, when the Superior Court will decide on the continuation of the procedures.
The 39-year-old man faces three counts of premeditated murder and nine counts of attempted murder using a motor vehicle. He also faces charges of dangerous driving causing death.
Gérald Charest, aged 65, Jean Lafrenière, aged 73, and Simon-Guillaume Bourget, aged 41, lost their lives in this tragedy which shocked the small municipality of 6,300 souls.
Steeve Gagnon turned himself in to the Sûreté du Québec following the tragic events.
The testimonies heard at the preliminary investigation cannot be reported since they are subject to a publication ban, as is usually the case at this stage of the proceedings.
The purpose of the preliminary investigation is to determine whether the evidence is sufficient for an accused to stand trial.
Steeve Gagnon is represented by Me Hugo Caissy, while the prosecution case is supported by prosecutors Simon Blanchette and Jérôme Simard.
The premeditated murder charges put him at risk of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.