GERO CASE TIMELINE

Nov. 19, 2013: The Montreal police are called to the apartment on Grand Blvd., near the corner of St-Jacques St., where Sherri Thomas was shot. At least one neighbour had heard the couple arguing earlier in the day. The same neighbour testified at the trial that he later saw Gero in the hallway of their apartment building, dressed only in a pair of boxer shorts, with his chest and a hand covered in blood. Gero said to the neighbour, “Please help me, call the police.”

Nov. 20, 2013: Gero makes his first court appearance on a charge of second-degree murder. The lawyer representing him that day, Linda Taklit, tells reporters she had difficulty talking with him: “He is stressed and anxious. He can’t grasp what has happened.” Gero is ordered to remain detained and he did not request a bail hearing while his case was pending.

Feb. 11, 2016: The preliminary inquiry in Gero’s murder case begins. Several witnesses testify over the course of two other court dates that month and a Quebec Court judge decided there was enough evidence to go to trial.

Feb. 10, 2017: A jury selected earlier in the week begins hearing evidence in the case.

Feb. 20, 2017: Gero takes to the witness stand to testify in his defence. He tells the jury that Thomas killed herself while he was taking a shower and that he tried to hide the gun she used because he was under a court order not to possess any firearms. The firearm was found on the roof of the apartment building and a fingerprint that matched Gero’s was found on it.

Feb. 23, 2017: Prosecutor Jacques Dagenais asks that the jury be excused and informs Superior Court Justice Hélène Di Salvo that he wants to ask the jury to not convict Gero of murder.

Feb. 27, 2017: The case returns to court and Dagenais informs Di Salvo that the Crown will no longer prosecute Gero. Di Salvo places a stay of proceedings on the murder charge.