The two authors of an extremely violent “wheelchair contract” committed in front of an elderly couple were sentenced to eight years and two months in prison on Wednesday. As gun violence rages in Montreal, “deterrence” must take precedence in sentencing, insisted Judge André Vincent.
Posted at 5:12 p.m.
“My bone came out of there, and it continues here”, mimics Roberto Celli, showing journalists an ugly scar on his leg. “I have a hard time working three hours without doing physio,” laments the man who has undergone eight operations in two years.
It’s a miracle that Roberto Celli can walk today, after being shot five times in the legs in April 2019. This cold-blooded attack by Jonathan Tshinkenke was captured on surveillance camera in a street parking lot Our Lady. The shooter had lured his prey on the pretext of wanting to rent a music room. The goal was clear: shoot in the legs without killing his victim.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Roberto Celli, victim
“Watching the video, it is amazing how casually Tshinkenke slowly approaches the victim before pulling out a gun and shooting the victim, despite the presence of an elderly couple nearby. “, underlined the judge Vincent.
Even today, we do not know why Roberto Celli was targeted by Jonathan Tshinkenke, and his driver, Emmanuel Charbonneau, as part of this “wheelchair” contract. According to the Crown prosecutor, Ms.and Philippe Vallières-Roland, this attack has “all the marks of organized crime”. He insists on claiming the innocence of the victim.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Emmanuel Charbonneau (right) hid his face from reporters.
Last month, the pair were convicted of aggravated assault, discharging a firearm with intent and possession of a loaded restricted firearm. The Crown was asking for ten years in prison, while the defense was asking for five years in prison.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Emmanuel Charbonneau (left) at the last hearing
Judge Vincent, however, did not identify any mitigating factor in favor of the two men – whose responsibility is equal – and numerous aggravating factors, including the “high degree” of premeditation. The use of a restricted firearm was also highlighted.
“Currently, society is experiencing an upsurge in violent acts committed with firearms, leaving a feeling of insecurity in the population. The ‟deterrence” element of sentencing takes on its full significance here,” said the judge.
“We are very satisfied with the sentence. Yes, we were asking for 10 years. But we think it sends a strong message,” commented M.and Vallieres-Roland.
“It’s coming blatantly, gun violence, we have to start cracking down more severely. This is a problem with our society. The guilty world must begin to pay the price”, reacted the victim.