Eight witnesses were interviewed at the Amqui courthouse on Tuesday, the second day of Steeve Gagnon's preliminary examination.
The following people took the stand: two civilians who witnessed the attack in which three people were killed, four civilians who knew the defendant to varying degrees, and finally two investigators.
All witnesses present on Tuesday were questioned alternately by the prosecution and then by the defense.
However, it is not possible to disclose the content of the witness statements as they are subject to an obligation of confidentiality in order not to affect the outcome of the court proceedings.
The apathetic defendant
The alleged perpetrator of the attack, Steeve Gagnon, 39, who faces 14 charges, including three for first-degree murder, remained calm throughout the day.
As he listened to the various witnesses he looked at them and at times he seemed tired, he lowered his eyes and stared at the floor. He kept turning to the window behind him to look outside.
Indifferent, he showed no emotion throughout the day, smiling a few times and even laughing during the third testimony; that of a civilian he knew.
A “practice” for the possible process
The witnesses examined during the preliminary inquiry taking place in Amqui this week will not necessarily be called to the stand in the event of a trial.
The investigation procedure, which is to a certain extent a “practice” or even a “preliminary procedure”, makes it possible to determine whether the evidence is sufficient to carry out a trial.
It also allows both parties to “evaluate” witnesses, according to retired judge Nicole Gibeault.
“We want to test not only their credibility, but also how they appear in court.” Because evidence of first-degree murder is not just any evidence. It has to be solid, it has to meet the parameters of first degree murder, meaning premeditated. How strong is the evidence for this? It opens the door to all sorts of discussions, both for the Crown and the defence.
An investigation was shortened
Five days were scheduled for the preliminary investigation in this case and around thirty witnesses were to be heard.
Ultimately there will be around twenty witnesses who will give their version of the facts.
The investigation could therefore end on Wednesday in Amqui.
If Judge Annick Boivin of the Quebec court believes the evidence is sufficient, the next step in the legal process will be trial.
Steeve Gagnon's lawyer, Me Hugo Caissy, has already indicated his intention to initiate a trial before a judge and jury.
Remember that Steeve Gagnon faces 14 charges, including three for premeditated murder, nine for attempted murder and two for dangerous driving causing death.