Latest news with #RomaneBonnier
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Montreal man on trial for murder in ex-girlfriend's death finishes testimony
The man accused of first-degree murder in the death of his former girlfriend near McGill University finished his testimony Friday afternoon. François Pelletier is defending himself in his trial in the killing of 24-year-old Romane Bonnier, who was stabbed to death in 2021. The prosecution wrapped up its cross-examination in the trial and Pelletier is acting as his own lawyer in the case. On at least three occasions, he seemed to admit to killing her. He testified that he considered himself a soldier of God, and that he had to kill Bonnier to protect her from the apocalypse. His testimony got so confused that at one point the jury asked why they had to listen to it. The cross-examination by the prosecution was considerably more direct. Pelletier was asked about the three options he considered when he made the decision to kill Bonnier. On the stand, Pelletier admitted his first option was murder by strangulation, but couldn't figure out how to do it. His second option was to shoot his victim but Pelletier said he couldn't afford a gun. He went for the third option, which was to stab his victim. Security cameras showed the entire sequence where a man can be seen repeatedly stabbing Bonnier. Pelletier has also alluded to some mental health issues, but so far, provided no expert testimony. Pelletier said the jury had to see a particular episode of the hit Netflix series, Black Mirror, because he says they'll better understand his state of mind. There's been a lot of objection by the prosecution and questions from the judge regarding the relevancy of showing this to the jury, but so far, the court has provided the accused with a considerable amount of leeway.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘I killed Romane': Montreal man on trial for murder in ex-girlfriend's death admits he stabbed her
Romane Bonnier, 24, was stabbed to death in the Milton Park neighbourhood of Montreal. A man charged with first-degree murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend is defending himself before a jury and admitted to a jury that he stabbed her multiple times. During the trial, the jury heard about how François Pelletier was Romane Bonnier's roommate when the two fell in love in 2021. The relationship didn't last. But Pelletier kept calling or texting Bonnier nonstop, despite her pleas to leave her alone. The jury read the messages and watched several surveillance videos, which the media has access to. They show Pelletier following her before the attack. Pelletier is on the stand testifying in his own defence and acting as his own lawyer. He immediately appeared to admit his crime, in a cryptic, sometimes confusing testimony. 'I killed Romane, I stabbed her 26 times. Operation Wrath of Heaven was a planned assassination. But there are facts in life that need to be put in a proper context.' The accused mostly went off on ramblings, forcing the judge to interrupt him. Pelletier focused on his personal story with his alleged victim and has yet to explain his motive. 'She was just grateful. She was a great human being and a great girl. And I killed her. I killed her.' Pelletier kept wandering off topic. He brought up his suicide attempt and asked the jury to read his suicide letter but the judge warned the jurors that the content of the letter can't be treated as evidence. The trial continues Friday.
