The individual accused of the murder of a police officer and the shooting of two others at his residence in eastern Ontario has been convicted of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Alain Bellefeuille’s lawyer, Leonardo Russomanno, confirmed that his client was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 25 years for first-degree murder. Additionally, he received 20-year sentences for each attempted murder charge, to be served concurrently.
The incident occurred on May 11, 2023, when Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Eric Mueller was killed and two other officers were wounded during a wellness check at Bellefeuille’s home in Bourget, Ontario.
A statement issued by OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique, the police union president, and Mueller’s family expressed how the emotional and extensive nine-week trial, which included body-camera footage, intensified the anguish caused by the attack.
The verdict delivered on Saturday underscored the profound impact of the shooting on the surviving officers and reaffirmed Mueller’s principles.
The statement honored Sergeant Mueller’s 21-year service to the people of Ontario, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to the community and the safety of others.
At the time of his death, Mueller, 42, left behind two young children. His funeral, held in an Ottawa hockey arena, attracted thousands of mourners who heard heartfelt tributes describing him as a gentle giant, a family man, and a hero.
Chris Wood, Mueller’s brother-in-law, reminisced about Mueller’s ability to provide comfort, approval, and humor, emphasizing his positive impact on those around him.
Mueller and his colleagues were shot while responding to a disturbance in Bourget on May 11. Mueller succumbed to his injuries later that day.
Constables Marc Lauzon and François Gamache-Asselin, who were injured in the incident, were praised in the joint statement for their exceptional bravery in the face of life-threatening violence.
Bellefeuille’s relatives expressed their devastation over the court’s decision in a statement conveyed by Russomanno, vehemently denying his involvement in the crimes he was accused of.
Joining the OPP in 2002 as a special constable in Ottawa, Mueller’s dedication and heroism were recognized throughout his career, culminating in a Commissioner’s Citation for Lifesaving in 2015 for rescuing an injured individual from a burning vehicle.
