Accused in deadly Amqui, Que., truck crash found guilty of murder
Steeve Gagnon Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Tragic Amqui Incident
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Steeve Gagnon has been convicted of first-degree murder for the devastating incident that took place in Amqui, Que., in March 2023. Gagnon, who ran down and killed three people with his pickup truck, faced three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder using a motor vehicle. After a trial that gripped the community, the 12 jurors delivered their verdict at the courthouse in Rimouski, Que., on Saturday evening.
The victims of this senseless act were Gérald Charest, 65, Jean Lafrenière, 73, and Simon-Guillaume Bourget, 41, who tragically lost their lives after being struck by Gagnon’s vehicle. The emotional toll of the trial was palpable as families and community members left the courtroom, some in tears and others finding solace in the verdict.
Quebec Superior Court Justice Louis Dionne wasted no time in sentencing Gagnon to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years on the murder charges and 10 years for each of the attempted murder charges, to be served concurrently. The gravity of the crime and its impact on the victims’ families weighed heavily on all those involved.
Amqui Mayor Sylvie Blanchette expressed a mix of emotions following the verdict, acknowledging that while it cannot bring back the lives lost, it provides some closure for the families. She emphasized the importance of being able to move forward and begin the healing process after such a traumatic event.
Throughout the trial, Gagnon maintained that the incident was an accident, claiming that he lost control of his vehicle while reaching for something on the floor. However, the prosecution argued that his actions were premeditated and intentional, pointing to disturbing videos Gagnon had recorded just days before the crash.
The jury ultimately found Gagnon guilty of first-degree murder, concluding that he deliberately ran down the victims and planned the crime in advance. Crown prosecutor Simon Blanchette expressed confidence in the evidence presented and the outcome of the trial.
As the defense contemplates their next steps, including the possibility of an appeal, the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. While the verdict may bring some closure, the scars left by Gagnon’s actions will undoubtedly linger for years to come.
