High-speed overtaking, zigzagging on the highway, racing at 200 km/h between several vehicles: in a scene worthy of the films Fast and Dangerousa driver killed a 15-year-old girl while mocking the police chasing her.
Francis Lawrence pleaded guilty two weeks ago to charges of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing injury to his two female passengers. The victim, a 15-year-old teenager, had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time on March 20, 2021. Her identity is protected by a court order.
That day, Francis Lawrence is driving his red Audi A3. His spouse and a friend are in his vehicle. The Montrealer goes to a gathering of vehicles at Carrefour Laval, which will be interrupted by the arrival of the police. The driver then leaves at full speed for the new meeting point, the Fairview shopping center in the west of Montreal.
Along the way, Francis Lawrence drives at high speed and zigzags in lanes and between vehicles, says the agreed statement of facts presented in court. Arrived on the spot, the driver consumes alcohol and cannabis. His blood alcohol level was moreover up to twice the legal limit during the fatal collision.
When the police arrive again, Francis Lawrence and his gang storm out of the Fairview towards a parking lot in Vaudreuil-Dorion. On the spot, three other men are there: Joseph Byannlee, Karim Hamad and Charbel Saliba. It is in the vehicle of the latter that the teenager is. Note that they were not charged in this case.
Fleeing the police again, Francis Lawrence heads for the Orange Julep restaurant, a distinctive symbol of the Décarie highway in Montreal. He is driving at high speed on Highway 40.
A member of the gang, Joseph Byannlee, then lost control of his vehicle and turned 180 degrees on Highway 40. To assist him, Charbel Saliba stopped on the left shoulder. His passenger, the 15-year-old girl, remains inside.
Meanwhile, Francis Lawrence is driving at breakneck speed on Highway 40 and passing other vehicles on the shoulders. He then follows the vehicle of his sidekick Karim Hamad. According to several witnesses, the two men were running between them and driving between 160 and 200 km / h a few minutes before the collision.
That’s when the worst happens. Francis Lawrence’s car collided head-on with his racing partner’s vehicle. The collision is extremely violent. While overturning, her vehicle hit the car still stationary on the shoulder where the teenager was. She has no chance.
Francis Lawrence’s vehicle catches fire. The driver was seriously injured, as was one of his passengers, who suffered multiple fractures, burns and head trauma. The other passenger escaped with minor injuries.
The case will return to court in April for sentencing submissions. Me Sylvie Dulude represents the public ministry, while Me Mustapha Mahmoud defends the accused.