The preliminary investigation into Steeve Gagnon, the man allegedly responsible for mowing down a dozen pedestrians with his van in Amqui on March 13, ended prematurely on Wednesday, with the case being referred directly to trial.
Five days had been planned for this stage to take place, which began on Monday, but the defense finally invoked section 549 of the Criminal Code on the third day, which allowed Judge Annick Boivin of the Court of Quebec to summon Steeve Gagnon to trial with the consent of the Crown.
The case was postponed until June 3, when the Superior Court will decide on the continuation of the procedures.
The 39-year-old man faces three counts of premeditated murder and nine counts of attempted murder using a motor vehicle. He also faces charges of dangerous driving causing death.
Gérald Charest, 65 years old, Jean Lafrenière, 73 years old, and Simon-Guillaume Bourget, 41 years old, lost their lives in this tragedy which shocked the small municipality of 6,300 souls.
Steeve Gagnon turned himself in to the Sûreté du Québec following the tragic events.
The testimonies heard during the preliminary investigation cannot be reported since they are subject to a publication ban, as is usually the case at this stage of the proceedings.
The purpose of the preliminary investigation is to determine whether the evidence is sufficient for an accused to stand trial.
Steeve Gagnon is represented by Me Hugo Caissy, and the prosecution case is supported by prosecutors Simon Blanchette and Jérôme Simard.
The premeditated murder charges put him at risk of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.