The trial of Steeve Gagnon, accused of the fatal vehicle attack in Amqui in March 2023, continues at the Rimouski courthouse. A former truck driver who had been on medical leave for back pain, Gagnon is facing charges of premeditated murder in connection with a tragedy that left three people dead and nine others seriously injured.
On Wednesday, the court resumed without the presence of the accused. Gagnon followed the proceedings by videoconference, after being removed for his outburst the day before. During the testimony of Dr. Denis Normand Boucher, who described a tense consultation with Gagnon in January 2023, the accused had insulted both the witness and the judge. Justice Louis Dionne reminded the jury to base their verdict solely on the evidence, regardless of the accused’s courtroom behaviour.
Dr. Boucher portrayed Gagnon as distrustful, emotionally distressed, and demanding surgery despite medical evaluations not justifying it. When the physician attempted a physical examination, Gagnon reportedly stood up, shouted insults, and left the clinic violently, knocking over furniture. The doctor also noted signs of irritability and psychological distress.
Evidence presented by the lead investigator painted an even darker picture. Two days before the tragedy, Gagnon had filmed himself outlining a deliberate plan to run over children in schoolyards. These videos, recorded on March 11, 2023, reveal a man fully aware of his actions, even calculating the police response time. In one of the videos, he states: “You want to piss me off? Your kids are dead.”
The revelations are particularly alarming given the broader context. In the months leading up to the event, Gagnon placed over 100 calls to his medical clinic, contacted Service Canada 64 times in under two months, and expressed growing frustration toward doctors, institutions, and the system in general. He reportedly stopped taking his medication due to financial difficulties, which may have worsened his condition.
A childhood friend of the accused also testified, recalling bitter remarks Gagnon made about society and the medical profession. The court also heard that hundreds of personal videos were recovered from the accused’s phone, some showing him ranting about current events or sports, often in a conspiratorial tone.
With the conclusion of testimony from investigator Bolduc, the Crown has officially closed its case after hearing from 46 witnesses. The defence is expected to begin its presentation next Wednesday. The jury will eventually have to weigh Gagnon’s criminal responsibility in light of both the evidence and the psychological state he was in at the time of the events.
The case has raised difficult questions. Gagnon had been off work for months, suffering from physical pain, psychological distress, financial insecurity and social isolation. Given the number of warning signs he left behind, how did no system—medical, social or otherwise—intervene in time?
While the trial rightly focuses on the accused’s responsibility, it also sheds light on potential systemic failures. The disturbing videos, the escalating distress, and the absence of follow-up point to a trajectory that, in hindsight, seemed headed toward disaster.
If you hear someone expressing alarming thoughts or notice someone in distress, don’t remain silent. Call 911 if there’s immediate danger. It’s better to act early than too late.
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