The trial of Charles Lassonde for first-degree murder has progressed to its third week, revealing disturbing evidence about the burial of victim Serge Boutin. Forensic technician Andréanne Pelletier described discovering Boutin’s body, bound and mummified, in a quarry. Witness Ghislain Paradis recounted past interactions with Boutin and the involvement of Lassonde and Lana Dubois in seeking him out, highlighting tension over a debt. The Crown is expected to conclude its evidence presentation shortly.
Trial of Charles Lassonde: Key Developments in the Murder Case
The trial concerning the first-degree murder of Charles Lassonde entered its third week on Monday at the Sherbrooke courthouse. For the first time, jurors were shown images of the quarry where the victim, Serge Boutin, was buried, alongside photographs of his body.
The 13 jurors were cautioned about the graphic nature of the images before the testimony of Andréanne Pelletier, a forensic technician from the Sûreté du Québec, commenced. She recounted her arrival at the scene on November 11, 2023, stating, “Upon my arrival, there was already a scene protection in place, with police officers and investigators present.” Pelletier was informed that the case involved a murder that had occurred in 2021.
Forensic Findings and Witness Accounts
After conducting a search at an initial location for an hour, Pelletier and Investigator Steve Barabé moved to another area of the quarry where a tarp had been identified. As they began their investigation, Pelletier reported, “I started to perceive a smell resembling putrefaction.” She described feeling what seemed to be shoes during the search, which ultimately led to the discovery of a body.
Additionally, Investigator Barabé presented aerial images of the quarry taken by drone to the jury. Earlier that morning, witness Ghislain Paradis spoke of Serge “Bibitte” Boutin, describing him as a “great friend, despite many flaws.” Paradis revealed that, at the time of the incident, he had severed ties with Boutin after lending him $1,800, which Boutin failed to repay.
On the night of July 6, 2021, Paradis recounted that Lassonde and Lana Dubois had come to his home searching for Boutin. He jokingly told them to “give him a slap in the face” for the debt owed. During the inquiry by the Crown, Paradis noted that he provided “a piece of rope” to the couple, adding that Lassonde had inquired about potential resistance from Boutin.
Paradis also mentioned that the couple had taken a telescopic baton from his home, a detail that had surfaced earlier in the trial. He expressed frustration over police searches of his residence, stating, “I would have liked it not to blow up in my face a second time in my house for that damn baton.” He allegedly made derogatory comments about Dubois during these events but later apologized.
The trial is set to continue on Tuesday, with the Crown expected to wrap up its presentation of evidence.