WATCH: There were tears in a Courtenay courtroom Monday when the verdict was read in a double homicide. Michael Philip Simard was accused of killing two people including his former girlfriend in a jealous rage. Dean Stoltz tells us what happened.
Michael Philip Simard has been found guilty on two counts second-degree murder in the deaths of Leanne Larocque and Gord Turner.
The trial, which started in January, concluded on Monday when a Supreme Court judge reached the verdict.
BREAKING: A Supreme Court judge in #Courtenay has convicted Micheal Philip Simard on 2 counts of 2nd-degree murder in the double homicide of Leanne Larocque and Gord Turner Oct 5, 2016. Gasps of relief were heard in the courtroom as the verdict was read. @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/EkbAOMcOb5
— Dean Stoltz (@deanstoltzchek) March 18, 2019
The parents of Larocque and Turner were at the Courtenay courthouse on Monday to hear the verdict. Both families said they were happy with the judge’s decision.
Reaction from the parents of murder victims Leanne Larocque and Gord Turner after judge finds Michael Philip Simard guilty of two counts of 2nd-degree murder in their deaths. He shot both in the head in her home in #Courtenay Oct 5, 2016. Full story tonight on @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/lgKtrDOjTz
— Dean Stoltz (@deanstoltzchek) March 18, 2019
On Oct. 5, 2016, Larocque and Turner, who were both in their 40s, were shot to death in Larcoque’s home in Courtenay.
Simard, Laroque’s ex-boyfriend, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder. Prosecutors say he broke into Larocque’s home and fatally shot the couple, called 911, then shot himself before police arrived.
Court heard police found Larocque’s body lying behind the master bedroom door. She had been killed by a single gunshot.
Simard’s sentencing will follow at a later date.
Courtenay homicide victims Leanne Larocque and Gord Turner. (Family Photos). Photo courtesy of Times Colonist
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