The presumed murderer of Guylaine Potvin will ask that his trial be held elsewhere than at the Chicoutimi courthouse.
• Read also: Appearance of the alleged murderer of Guylaine Potvin
• Read also: Murder of Guylaine Potvin: four warrants granted to investigators before the arrest of Marc-André Grenon
Marc-André Grenon was back in court on Wednesday.
In an off-camera discussion, his lawyer, Me Karine Poliquin, believes that it would be difficult to constitute a neutral and impartial jury in Saguenay. Guylaine Potvin, 19, was sexually assaulted and killed in her home in the borough of Jonquière, in Saguenay, in April 2000.
The victim’s parents, brother and sister physically attended the hearing for the first time since the start of the proceedings.
The request for the change of venue will be pleaded later in Chicoutimi. The presence of the Potvin family was a way of preparing the ground, in a way, for the contestation of the motion submitted by the defence.
“We do not yet have the content of the request, warned the director of criminal and penal prosecutions, Me Pierre-Alexandre Bernard. We will take the time to analyze it. Guylaine Potvin’s family has been collaborating since the very beginning of the investigation, and it was important for them to attend the proceedings today and eventually the trial.
Marc-André Grenon will be recalled to court on June 7. His trial could take place in September or October. The Criminal and Penal Prosecutions Department considers the timeline reasonable, comments echoed by Judge Carl Thibault, who described the timeline as “realistic”.
On the other hand, the start of the trial could be postponed further. Mr. Poliquin informed the court that the defense will submit other motions, which will have to be argued before the trial.
Grenon remained impassive during his appearance. Guylaine Potvin’s family declined to comment.
Until his return to court in Chicoutimi, he will return to court in Quebec on April 18 for his other cause, for attempted murder and sexual assault on another complainant in Sainte-Foy, in July 2000.