Former judge Jacques Delisle, accused of the premeditated murder of his wife, intends to settle his case Thursday morning, after nearly 15 years of legal proceedings. It remains to be seen to which charge the 88-year-old man will admit guilt. Return, in dates, to the significant moments of this saga.
November 12, 2009
Jacques Delisle’s wife, Nicole Rainville, is found lifeless in her condo in Sillery. Her husband and children have always claimed that the woman, physically diminished and depressed, had taken her own life.
June 14, 2012
Jacques Delisle was found guilty of the premeditated murder of his wife, at the end of a trial lasting nearly six weeks during which scientists from the Laboratory of Judicial Sciences and Legal Medicine, in Montreal, as well as a French expert came to the rod. On the defense side, an expert from France testified. Jacques Delisle did not give his version of the facts.
March 20, 2015
After setbacks suffered at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, Jacques Delisle filed a request for ministerial review in Ottawa. He adds to his request his version of the facts as well as new expertise.
April 7, 2021
After a long six-year investigation, Federal Justice Minister David Lametti ordered a new trial, convinced that a possible miscarriage of justice had been committed. Jacques Delisle regains his parole, after nine years behind bars. As part of this judicial review process, around ten experts from three Canadian provinces were involved. Jacques Delisle regains his parole, after nine years behind bars.
April 8, 2022
The Superior Court orders a stay of proceedings. Freed from the charge of first degree murder against him, Jacques Delisle is a free man. The second trial will not take place, even if the Crown had mandated four European experts to study the case.
April 28, 2022
The Crown is appealing the Superior Court’s decision and is campaigning for a second trial. She considers in particular that stopping the proceedings constitutes a “draconian” remedy in this case.
September 6, 2023
The Court of Appeal overturns the stay of proceedings pronounced by the Superior Court. Jacques Delisle is therefore once again awaiting a second trial, for the premeditated murder of his wife.
November 3, 2023
Jacques Delisle addresses the Supreme Court to overturn the decision of the Court of Appeal. He considers that the Superior Court did not commit any fault in ordering the stay of the proceedings and that the Court of Appeal erred in overturning this judgment.
March 11, 2024
The Supreme Court of Canada announces that it will render its decision in the Jacques Delisle case on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
March 13, 2024
The parties announce that Jacques Delisle will plead guilty the next day, which will put an end to the case. It remains to be seen for which accusation the ex-judge will recognize his guilt. At the same time, Jacques Delisle withdrew his proceedings before the Supreme Court, which would not rule on this matter.