Man found guilty in 2021 stabbing death of Halifax optician
On a tragic day at an optometry store in Halifax, Tony Nader uttered his final words before collapsing from a fatal stabbing. In those fleeting moments, he expressed his love for his family, friends, and co-workers. Little did he know that his attacker, Cymon Felix Cormier, would be found guilty of first-degree murder in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.
The judge, Justice Christa Brothers, delivered the verdict, dismissing Cormier’s defense of not being criminally responsible due to a mental disorder. She emphasized that Cormier was in full control of his actions and had planned a deliberate attack on Nader, resulting in his untimely death. The 28-year-old assailant faced an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.
The courtroom was filled with over two dozen individuals who had gathered to witness the culmination of a trial that lasted over 15 days. Throughout the proceedings, it was revealed that Cormier held unfounded beliefs that Nader had sexually abused him in the past. However, there was no evidence to support these claims, with Cormier’s own brother testifying to Nader’s positive influence during their shared upbringing.
Despite Cormier’s struggles with mental health, the court determined that he was malingering and not suffering from schizophrenia as he had suggested. His actions were deemed premeditated and intentional, leading to the tragic demise of Tony Nader, a beloved husband, father, and skilled optician.
The prosecutor, Scott Morrison, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision, stating that Nader’s family found some measure of closure in the outcome. The evidence presented during the trial pointed to Cormier’s goal-oriented behavior leading up to the attack, dispelling any notion of psychosis that his defense attempted to portray.
As the sentencing date looms in late July, Cormier will face the consequences of his actions, including a conviction for assault causing bodily harm to an innocent customer caught in the crossfire. Family members will have the opportunity to deliver victim impact statements, shedding light on the profound impact of Nader’s tragic passing.
The courtroom drama that unfolded in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked mental health issues and the importance of seeking help before it’s too late. May Tony Nader’s memory live on as a testament to the love and dedication he showed to those around him.
