The high-profile murder trial of a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitor, accused of killing a teenager in Laval nearly four years ago, opened this week before a jury at the Laval courthouse.
Jury Impaneled as Trial Commences
Justice Steve Baribeau presided over the jury selection process on Monday morning, January 12, 2026. By the afternoon, the selected panel received its preliminary instructions from the judge. The Crown, led by prosecutor Marie-Philippe Guimond-Méthé, is scheduled to present its opening statement to the court on Wednesday.
In his initial remarks, Justice Baribeau cautioned jurors not to be influenced by the fact that the accused individuals are not currently detained. "You might have crossed paths with (the accused) earlier today. You might have noticed that they are not detained, but you shouldn’t let that influence your decisions," he stated. He further emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind and refraining from reaching conclusions until all evidence has been presented.
The Charges and the Accused
Edouardo (Icho) Larenas, 45, has entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. His partner, Gladys Rosana Lopez, has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of being an accomplice after the fact to murder. Both were present in court as the proceedings began.
Larenas is known for his brief career in the UFC, where he fought professionally in 2006 and 2007. Official records from the promotion's website list his professional mixed martial arts record at three wins and two losses.
The 2022 Incident in Laval
The case stems from a tragic incident in the early hours of May 23, 2022. Laval police responded to a residence on Place du Cormoran following a report of a home invasion. Inside the home, officers discovered the body of a 17-year-old male victim.
The investigation led to the arrests of Larenas and Lopez, who were subsequently charged. A publication ban ordered by the court prohibits the media from revealing the name of the victim. During the reading of the charges, Justice Baribeau referred to the teenager only by his initials.
The accused are being represented by defence lawyer Jean-Daniel Debkowski. The trial is expected to continue for several days as the Crown presents its evidence before the jury in Quebec Superior Court.
