More than 20 years after the murder of his wife: the prosecution maintains that it was Fera who killed her

More than 20 years after the murder of Nadia Panarello, the prosecution tried Tuesday morning to convince the Court of Appeal to find her husband at least guilty of second degree murder, by arguing that the judge would have drawn erroneous conclusions during his trial in 2021.

• Read also: Crown demands new trial in 2004 murder case

Accompanied and supported among others by his two daughters, Ernesto Fera presented himself, imperturbably, at the Montreal Court of Appeal on Tuesday morning.

In December 2021, the 57-year-old was acquitted of the premeditated murder of his wife.

Nadia Panarello, 38, was stabbed 30 times on February 12, 2004, in Laval.

Nadia Panarello. Victim

Courtesy photo

The tragedy occurred in a bathroom of their family home, upstairs.

After the death, Fera received more than $700,000 from the sale of it and insurance compensation.


St-Jérôme courthouse

It was in this house on rue Michel-Gamelin, in Laval, that the sordid murder of Nadia Panarello, 38, took place on February 12, 2004.

Courtesy photo

He was thus able to repay his creditors, he who was drowning in debt.

The prosecution maintains that he is the author of the crime, because it would have been impossible for “an unknown killer” to enter the house.

According to the Crown’s claims, there are no footprints in the snow that were noted by the authorities on the east side of the residence.

This would be the only location established by Judge James L. Brunton, based on the evidence, where the killer could have passed to reach the rear patio door.

The prosecution therefore claims that the magistrate insinuated that there was a possible path, when that would not be the case.

More details to come.

Do you have any information to share with us about this story?

Write to us at or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.


source site-64