(Joliette) Alexandre Boudreau-Chartrand was an upset man in 2021: his relationship was failing, his partner had an alcohol problem and was unfaithful to him. It was in this context that he killed Andréane Ouellet, the mother of their five children, in their family home two years ago.
At least that’s the theory that the Crown presented to the jury Monday at the opening of the trial of Alexandre Boudreau-Chartrand at the Joliette courthouse. The 38-year-old man is accused of the second degree murder of Andréane Ouellet on September 27, 2021, in Saint-Donat.
In her opening statement, Crown Prosecutor Me Caroline Buist painted the portrait of a couple in “difficulty” in the months preceding the death of Andréane Ouellet.
The 32-year-old’s excessive drinking was particularly at the heart of the couple’s “quarrels”. Its consumption had indeed significant consequences on their family life.
“Alexandre Boudreau-Chartrand was upset about his partner’s inability to maintain her sobriety,” said Mr.e Buist.
Also, the accused had “a lot of difficulty digesting the infidelities” of his partner, underlined the Crown prosecutor, without giving more details to the jury.
Note that certain important elements of the case cannot be revealed.
Alexandre Boudreau-Chartrand and Andréane Ouellet were supposed to go to a crucial meeting on September 27, 2021. But that day, the accused showed up alone. “Where is Mme Ouellet? Why didn’t she show up as agreed? », asked Me Buist.
It was on this day that Andréane Ouellet died. How ? The precise circumstances of the murder have not been revealed. But according to the Crown, his death resulted from “multiple head trauma” caused by “one or more blunt objects”. The testimony of the forensic pathologist will therefore be enlightening for this purpose.
However, one thing is certain: Alexandre Boudreau-Chartrand had blood on his fists, indicated Me Buist.
At a time not specified by the prosecution, the accused made a call to 911. The Crown prosecutor called on the jury to “evaluate” whether the account of Alexandre Boudreau-Chartrand, during this call, was compatible with those of other witnesses. Indeed, neighbors and neighborhood members will come and testify about what they heard that day.
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Me Caroline Buist, Crown prosecutor in 2021 in another case
During the trial, 16 witnesses will be called to testify, including several experts, police officers and paramedics. A toxicologist will detail to the jury the effects of the substances found in M’s bodyme Ouellet “or even the absence of effect” of these.
The presentation of evidence will begin on Tuesday. The trial is scheduled for a few weeks before Judge Eric Downs of the Superior Court of Quebec. Me Valérie Michaud teams up with Me Buist for the Crown. The accused is defended by Mr.e Catherine Ranalli and Me Élise Pinsonnault.
What there is to know
Alexandre Boudreau-Chartrand is accused of the second degree murder of Andréane Ouellet, his partner and mother of five children
The couple of the accused and the victim were in difficulty before the murder
The 32-year-old woman was killed by multiple head injuries