A driver who killed a motorist on the side of Highway 15 in a case of extreme road rage was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and fatal hit-and-run by a jury Friday afternoon after two days of deliberations.
The trial of Alexandra Gagné-Faucher had been taking place for a month at the Laval courthouse. She was accused of fatally mowing down Stéphane Taillon on September 15, 2022, in Laval. The 53-year-old man was driving his car on Highway 15 in Montreal when he had the misfortune of coming across the accused, driving a gray Hyundai Accent.
The two motorists exchanged dangerous overtaking on the highway, according to witnesses. Once at the Souvenir Viaduct in Laval, Alexandra Gagné-Faucher and Stéphane Taillon stopped their vehicle on the service road of Highway 15.
A few moments later, the body of Stéphane Taillon was observed on the road. What happened during their brief interaction? Details are unclear, since the scene was not filmed on camera. Nevertheless, the jury concluded beyond any reasonable doubt that Alexandra Gagné-Faucher caused the death of Stéphane Taillon, obviously by driving into him with her car.
Alexandra Gagné-Faucher was arrested just five days later. She then increased research into the collision, in addition to having the damaged car repaired.
The 31-year-old woman did not testify at trial. Her lawyer, however, argued that her client had been afraid of the victim. A thesis visibly rejected by the jurors.
Sentencing submissions will take place in the coming weeks before Judge Eric Downs.
Me Caroline Buist and Marie-Philippe Guimond-Méthé represent the Crown, while Me Roxane Hamelin and Me Rose-Marie Picard defend the accused.
