Valérie Gignac was killed December 14, 2005.
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Cop killer François Pépin pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder
Surprises court with admission, apologizes to Valérie's Gignac's family, gets life term
François Pépin, accused of the murder of Laval Police Constable Valérie Gignac in December of 2005, pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder this past Wednesday, earning him a life term in prison. He'll have to serve at least 12 years at the Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines penitentiary before being eligible for parole.
Earlier in the week it was learned the court proceedings, scheduled to get underway on Monday, May 5, were to be delayed until May 20, the date an expert witness would be back in the country.
Wednesday, Pépin's lawyer Robert Le Haye confirmed nonetheless that his client would plead guilty to 2nd-degree murder, a lesser charge than the first-degree that would have brought Pépin to trial by jury this month. If found guilty, he would have to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison.
Meetings
"We met several times with Crown prosecutors, and taking all factors into consideration, including psychiatric reports, we came to a satisfactory arrangement for both sides," said attorney Le Haye. "Twelve years may sound like a long time, but it must be understood that we avoided a first-degree conviction that would have put my client behind bars for at least 25 years. Considering we saved 13 years, we're happy with the way things turned out."
Following his guilty plea François Pepin apologized to the court and to the family of Valérie Gignac.
The facts
Valérie Gignac's tragic death occurred December 14, 2005, when the 25-year-old was slain by Pépin, 40, who fired through his apartment door with a high-calibre weapon. The Constable, who was in her fourth year of service with Laval Police, had answered a call about a dispute occurring at the Pépin residence.
Jean-Pierre Gariépy, Laval Police Chief, said the force was relieved to hear the news of Pépin's guilty plea and sentencing. "After two years, we (family, friends, colleagues) can put closure on this tragic event, and in memory of Valérie Gignac turn the page and move on with out lives, secure in the knowledge that Valérie can rest in peace …", director Gariépy stated in a Thursday press release.
Psychological counseling
In prison, François Pépin will benefit from psychological counseling to help him deal with his demons. He'll be closely monitored, following an unsuccessful attempt a few months ago to take his own life in a Rivière-des-Prairies prison cell.
Photo: Pick up p. 2, jeudi, 8 mai
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
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