Serge Audette, found guilty earlier this year in the 1996 murder of Montreal woman Marie-Josée Bissonnette, has filed an appeal against the verdict. The announcement was made by his legal team on Friday, June 26, 2026, marking the latest development in a case that has haunted the community for three decades.
Case Background and Conviction
Audette was convicted in April 2026 after a lengthy trial that relied heavily on DNA evidence and witness testimony. Bissonnette, 24, was found dead in her Montreal apartment in December 1996, strangled and with signs of sexual assault. The case went cold until 2022, when advances in forensic technology led police to re-examine evidence and charge Audette.
Prosecutors argued that Audette, a former acquaintance of the victim, had left DNA at the scene. The defense maintained his innocence, suggesting contamination of evidence. After a six-week trial, a jury found Audette guilty of second-degree murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 18 years.
Grounds for Appeal
Audette's lawyer, Émilie Dubois, confirmed the appeal was filed with the Quebec Court of Appeal. “We believe the trial judge made critical errors, including allowing prejudicial evidence and failing to properly instruct the jury,” Dubois stated. “We are confident that a higher court will find these errors warrant a new trial.”
The appeal cites three main issues: the admission of DNA evidence that the defense claims was mishandled; the exclusion of alternative suspect evidence; and the judge's instructions on reasonable doubt. The Crown has yet to respond to the appeal notice.
Victim's Family Reacts
Bissonnette's mother, Claire Bissonnette, expressed disappointment but resolve. “We trusted the justice system, and we still do. But this drags out our pain,” she told reporters. “We hope the appeal court upholds the verdict so we can finally have closure.”
The case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the challenges of prosecuting cold cases and the emotional toll on families. According to Montreal police, the conviction was a result of dedicated investigative work and technological progress.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analyst Marc Tremblay noted that appeals in cold cases are not uncommon. “Defense often challenges the reliability of older evidence and procedural changes over time. The outcome will depend on whether the appellate court finds the trial was fundamentally fair.”
The Quebec Court of Appeal typically takes 12 to 18 months to issue a decision. Until then, Audette remains incarcerated. The case serves as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of justice for victims of unsolved crimes.
