For brutal domestic slaying, a powerful nighttime guilty verdict of 1st-degree murder

After months of enduring abuse, threats, manipulation, and control from her partner, 24-year-old Marie “Mimi” Gabriel made the bold decision to end the toxic relationship once and for all. She had fled to a south Ottawa home with their two young children, seeking help from social services to escape the clutches of her on-again, off-again partner, 40-year-old Jean-Bruno “Berno” Fenelon.

Despite her efforts to break free, Fenelon refused to leave the residence. Marie reached out to friends and informed them of the escalating situation, including a chilling phone call to her close friend Norlande Tassy. The last words Norlande heard from Marie were a desperate plea for Fenelon to leave her house, followed by an eerie silence.

Tragically, on the morning of March 26, 2022, Marie Gabriel’s lifeless body was discovered by police in the basement of her home, surrounded by a pool of her own blood. The brutal nature of her death sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an extensive investigation and subsequent trial.

After a six-week trial in Ottawa’s Superior Court, a jury unanimously found Jean-Bruno Fenelon guilty of first-degree murder. The evidence presented during the trial painted a grim picture of Fenelon’s violent attack on Marie, culminating in fatal blows to her head with a 30-pound dumbbell. The jury heard how Fenelon had relentlessly pursued and assaulted Marie in the basement before delivering the fatal blows with extreme force, leaving behind bloody footprints as evidence of the savage attack.

Following the verdict, Justice Ian Carter sentenced Fenelon to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, a fitting punishment for the heinous crime committed. Despite his denials and attempts to deflect blame, Fenelon’s guilt was undeniable, as evidenced by the recovered blood-stained clothing and boots he had callously disposed of at Petrie Island.

During the emotional victim impact statements, Marie Gabriel’s family expressed their profound grief and overwhelming guilt for not being able to protect her from harm. Her parents, Fatou Gabriel and Andy Stone, spoke of their anguish and remorse for not intervening sooner, highlighting the devastating impact of intimate partner violence on families and communities.

Marie’s brothers, David Gabriel and Ibn Stone, addressed Fenelon directly in court, condemning his actions as senseless brutality and expressing their relief at seeing justice served. They emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators of domestic violence accountable and urged others to seek help and support if they find themselves in abusive relationships.

As the family gathered outside the courthouse, Andy Stone delivered a powerful message to other women facing similar situations, urging them to prioritize their safety and leave abusive partners before it’s too late. He emphasized the importance of listening to one’s instincts and seeking help from support services and resources available for those affected by intimate partner violence.

The tragic death of Marie Gabriel serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and the urgent need for society to address this pervasive issue. By standing together and speaking out against violence, we can work towards creating a safer and more compassionate world for all. Support is available for those affected by intimate partner violence, and it is essential to reach out for help in times of need.