Verdict Reached in St-Léonard Teen Murder Case
In a significant court ruling, one man has been convicted and another acquitted in the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in St-Léonard, Quebec. The verdict was delivered on Thursday after a jury deliberated for over a week, bringing closure to a tragic case that has gripped the community for years.
Guilty on All Charges
Salim Touaibi, 30, was found guilty of all five criminal charges he faced, including first-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder. The charges relate to the fatal shooting of Meriem Boundaoui on February 7, 2021, in St-Léonard. During the trial, Touaibi admitted to firing the shots that killed the teenager but claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging he felt threatened by four men near the vehicle where Boundaoui was seated.
The Crown argued that the killing occurred within the context of a longstanding feud over parking spots between two families operating businesses in the area, a conflict that had no direct connection to the victim. Despite Touaibi's testimony that he intended to act as a peacemaker, the jury's decision indicates they did not find his account credible, except for his assertion that his co-accused was not involved in the shooting.
Acquittal for Second Accused
In contrast, Aymane Bouadi, also 30, was acquitted of all charges. When asked for the verdict on Bouadi, the jury foreman responded "not guilty" five times. Bouadi testified that he did not fire any shots and was unaware of Touaibi's intentions to harm anyone, confirming he was a longtime friend of someone involved in the feud. Following the acquittal, Quebec Superior Court Justice Yvan Poulin ordered Bouadi's release from detention.
Trial Details and Sentencing
The jury's deliberations were marked by requests to review recorded testimonies from both accused, highlighting the complexity of the case. While jury deliberations are secret in Canada, the outcome suggests the panel carefully weighed the evidence before reaching their conclusions.
With a first-degree murder conviction, Touaibi faces an automatic life sentence with no eligibility for full parole until he has served 25 years. Justice Poulin has yet to sentence him for the attempted murder charges and has indicated he will allow victims of Touaibi's crimes to express themselves during the sentencing phase, which is scheduled for a later date.
This case underscores the severe consequences of violence and the judicial system's role in addressing such tragedies, particularly when they involve young victims in community disputes.
