Accused knew he had killed his girlfriend, Crown argues
The prosecutor in the murder trial of Jonathan Mahautière argued on Friday that the accused’s very own words are the best evidence to show that he knew he killed his girlfriend after having strangled her in a hotel room.
While making his closing arguments in the trial that is nearing its end at the Montreal courthouse, Éric de Champlain focused on Mahautière’s claim that when he strangled Gabrielle DufresneÉlie on June 7, 2014, he had lost control, was disconnected from reality and, in particular, did not know she was dead when he left the hotel.
Mahautière is charged with second-degree murder. Earlier this week, defence lawyer MarieHélène Giroux asked the jury hearing the trial to either find him not criminally responsible for his actions or to convict him on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
On Friday, de Champlain argued that Mahautière, who was 18 at the time, wanted to kill his 17-year-old girlfriend because she had made it clear their relationship was over during a couples therapy session they attended earlier that day. Despite stating that she wanted things to end, the couple ended up in a hotel room on Sherbrooke St. E. where they had sex before Mahautière killed her.
The proof that Mahautière was aware he had killed the victim, de Champlain said, is in the 911 call he made from a phone booth across the street from the hotel.
Instead of seeking help for Dufresne-Élie, Mahautière immediately posed a question.
“If I am arrested, can I ask that the police not be rough with me,” he asked.
“Why would the police arrest you,” the 911 operator asked.
“I did something (and) I’m going to prison for life,” Mahautière said.
During the odd exchange, Mahautière repeatedly asked if the call could be kept confidential and whether it was the right time “to apologize to people.” He also asked if the call would be broadcast by media as he had seen on television in the past.
“(Evidence of ) his comprehension of what happened comes from the 911 call,” the prosecutor said.