Quebec bus driver in fatal daycare crash found not criminally responsible
Pierre Ny St-Amand, the 53-year-old man who tragically crashed a bus into a daycare in Laval, Quebec, has been found not criminally responsible for his actions. This decision was reached after both the Crown and the defense recommended that Ny St-Amand be found not criminally responsible during a trial held before a judge.
Quebec Superior Court Justice Éric Downs stated in his decision that, based on the evidence presented jointly, it was undeniable that Ny St-Amand drove the bus into the daycare. Justice Downs further explained that the court was convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Ny St-Amand was dealing with mental health issues, specifically psychosis, at the time of the event.
The devastating incident occurred on February 8, 2023, when Ny St-Amand crashed the bus into the Laval daycare, resulting in the tragic deaths of a four-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl. Following the crash, Ny St-Amand stood inside the mangled bus, undressed, and spoke and yelled incoherently before being subdued by parents at the scene. He was subsequently charged with two counts of second-degree murder, as well as charges of assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm in relation to six other children who were injured.
Justice Downs emphasized that the ruling of not criminally responsible does not acquit or absolve Ny St-Amand of his actions. However, it was acknowledged that this decision may not provide insight into why the tragedy occurred. The parents of the children involved in the heartbreaking incident were present in the courtroom and were understandably emotional upon hearing the ruling. They had expressed frustration earlier about not having a jury trial and feeling unheard during the process. Justice Downs reassured that a jury trial would have led to the same conclusion.
The decision was based on the testimony of two psychiatrists who independently concluded that Ny St-Amand was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the crash and was unable to discern right from wrong. One psychiatrist suggested that Ny St-Amand’s untreated post-traumatic stress disorder from his childhood in war-torn Cambodia may have played a role in the tragic event.
Some parents expressed concerns that Ny St-Amand was being portrayed as a victim during the trial and emphasized that everyone has a past to confront. The parents will have an opportunity to deliver victim-impact statements in court on Thursday. The Crown has indicated that it will seek to have Ny St-Amand declared a “high-risk accused,” which would entail stricter rules regarding his absences from any treatment facility.
This tragic incident has left a lasting impact on the community, and the legal proceedings surrounding it have sparked important discussions about mental health and the criminal justice system. As the families of the victims continue to grieve, it is essential to prioritize support and healing for all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
