The preliminary investigation ahead of the trial of Steeve Gagnon, the 39-year-old man accused of having perpetrated the ram truck attack which cost the lives of three people last March in Amqui, began Monday.
Over the next five days, around thirty witnesses are expected to appear in court. Steeve Gagnon faces 14 counts following the attack that occurred on March 13, 2023 on Saint-Benoît d’Amqui Boulevard, including three counts of premeditated murder, two counts of dangerous driving causing death and nine counts of attempted murder.
The attack cost the lives of Gérald Charest, 65, and Jean Lafrenière, 73. A third 41-year-old man, Simon-Guillaume Bourget, died of his injuries a few days after the tragedy. Eight other people were injured in the wake of the tragedy which had greatly shaken the small community of Matapédia.
The preliminary investigation aims to establish whether the evidence justifies holding a trial. At the end of this procedure, the judge determines whether there is reason to go to trial for each charge. He can withdraw or add charges if he considers that the preliminary investigation warrants it.
A publication ban is imposed on content presented as part of a preliminary investigation to avoid influencing a possible jury. Only after the verdict is rendered can the evidence revealed during the preliminary investigation be disclosed.
Me Simon Blanchette represents the crown in this trial. Me Hugo Caissy, lawyer at the Amqui legal aid office, defends the accused.
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