Trial Hears Teen's Fatal Shooting in St-Léonard Was 'A Catastrophe'
Aymane Bouadi, 30, became emotional while testifying in his own defense at a trial where he and Salim Touaibi, 30, are charged with first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. The case centers on the death of 15-year-old Meriem Boundaoui, who was shot and killed in St-Léonard on February 7, 2021.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to court proceedings, Boundaoui was seated in the front passenger seat of a Jetta parked near a bakery on Jean-Talon Street East when the shooting occurred. The Crown's theory suggests the teenage girl was killed accidentally amid a conflict over parking spaces used by clients of a hair salon and a grocery store, both owned by the same family that operated the bakery.
Bouadi told the jury he had no idea Touaibi, who was driving the Mercedes-Benz they were riding in, would pull out a firearm and open fire. "I had never seen these people before in my life," Bouadi said, referring to individuals standing near the Jetta. "It all happened so quickly."
Testimony from the Accused
Earlier in the trial, Touaibi testified that he was the one who opened fire on the Jetta, firing eight shots rapidly. He claimed he did not know anyone was inside the vehicle and intended only to scare people outside on that very cold day. Touaibi said he felt intimidated after someone threw a backpack toward his vehicle when he pulled up next to the Jetta.
Bouadi's testimony aligned with Touaibi's account, describing how the Mercedes pulled up next to the Jetta, words were exchanged, and then "there was this arm and detonations." He added, "There was gun powder in my face." Bouadi recounted the chaotic moments, saying, "It all happened so fast—bap, bap, bap, bap. My brain was running at a thousand miles per hour."
Aftermath and Emotional Reactions
After the shooting, Bouadi said they drove northward to Gouin Boulevard, where Touaibi allegedly hid the firearm on the bank of a frozen river. Bouadi then decided to walk home to Montreal North. Hours later, when he checked news reports, he was shocked to learn what had transpired.
"I checked the news and it was a catastrophe… a young girl," Bouadi told the jury, his voice filled with emotion. He also revealed that Touaibi later apologized profusely, saying he felt obligated to shoot because he believed they would be shot that day. Touaibi reportedly discussed turning himself in.
Background and Context
Bouadi, who has been friends with Touaibi since high school, testified that he knew very little about the parking space conflict. He explained that shortly before the shooting, he agreed to ride in Touaibi's Mercedes to get food. Due to COVID-19 measures, they picked up takeout from a restaurant and continued driving, with Touaibi heading to the bakery after a phone call.
The trial continues as the jury hears further evidence in this heartbreaking case that has left a community in mourning over the loss of a young life.
