Jury Requests Recordings of Accused's Testimony in Ongoing Murder Trial Deliberations
The jury in the trial of two men charged with the murder of 15-year-old Meriem Boundaoui in St-Léonard has entered its second week of sequestered deliberations, with no verdict yet in sight. On Tuesday, Superior Court Justice Yvan Poulin informed lawyers at the Montreal courthouse that the jury sent a note indicating they plan to listen to recordings of the testimony provided by both accused individuals. The deliberations began on March 17, highlighting the complexity of this high-profile case.
Details of the Charges and Incident
Salim Touaibi and Aymane Bouadi, both 30 years old, face charges of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder in connection with the shooting death of Meriem Boundaoui. The tragic incident occurred on February 7, 2021, when the teenage girl was seated in a Volkswagen Jetta parked behind a bakery on Jean-Talon St. According to the Crown's theory, the shooting stemmed from a conflict between two families over parking spaces used by clients of a nearby hair salon and a grocery store owned by the same family as the bakery.
Prosecutor Katerine Brabant stated during the opening statement that Meriem was shot in the head in a conflict that had nothing to do with her, underscoring the senseless nature of the crime. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the victim's young age and the violent circumstances surrounding her death.
Testimony from the Accused
During the trial, Salim Touaibi testified over four days, admitting to the jury that he was the person who opened fire on the Jetta. He claimed he believed no one was inside the vehicle and fired because he felt threatened by young men standing outside. Both Touaibi and Bouadi acknowledged knowing Abdelbari (Barry) Bensalem, one of the owners of the grocery store and bakery involved in the conflict.
Aymane Bouadi testified earlier this month over two days, stating he had no prior knowledge that Touaibi would pull out a firearm and shoot at the car. This testimony adds a layer of complexity to the jury's deliberations as they weigh the roles and intentions of each accused individual.
Legal Options and Judicial Instructions
In his final instructions to the jury last week, Justice Poulin outlined the possible verdicts, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, or an acquittal specifically for Bouadi. The judge reminded the lawyers on Tuesday that the extensive testimony from both accused—Touaibi over four days and Bouadi over two days—is now a focal point as the jury reviews recordings to aid in their decision-making process.
The jury's request to revisit the recorded testimony suggests they are carefully considering the evidence and testimonies presented, which could influence the final outcome of this emotionally charged trial. As deliberations continue, the community awaits a verdict that will bring closure to a case that has highlighted issues of violence and justice in Montreal.
