Justin Bourque to serve 5 life sentences for Mountie shootings

(Updated)

The man responsible for murdering three RCMP officers and wounding two others in New Brunswick has been given the longest sentence in Canadian history.

24-year-old Justin Bourque has been sentenced to five concurrent life sentences — that’s 75 years in jail — for his actions on June 4th which left three Mounties dead.

Both crown and defence lawyers have described the murders in Moncton as one of the worst crimes in Canadian history. The lawyers asked Judge David Smith of the Court of Queen’s Bench to impose the harshest sentence Canada has seen in more than 50 years.

Bourque pleaded guilty in August to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Bourque’s own lawyer has said his client should serve 50 years before he can apply for parole.

Bourque went on a shooting rampage that led to a 28-hour lockdown in Moncton. The RCMP officers killed were Constables Douglas Larche, Dave Ross, and Fabrice Gevaudan.   Today, their widows and the RCMP Assistant Commissioner reacted to this being the harshest sentence in Canada since the last executions more than 50 years ago.

Roger Brown, RCMP Assistant Commissioner: “You take it one step at a time and today was a huge step. It was a big step for the process to be finally over. There was a step that I believe we can finally move on, and I think we will do that. But when we choose to wear this uniform, when we choose this profession, we know the inherent dangers. And we also know that, despite some of the things that are happening, or have happened in the past, we have to continue working together, and we have to continue moving forward. And that’s what we do.”

Nadine Larche, Doug’s widow: “To Rachel and Angela, I’m very thankful for our new found friendship. My dear Doug. I spent the 17 happiest years with you. Although life will never be the same, I know you are watching and I want you to know that your girls will grow up knowing that their daddy was an incredible man and hero. It’s now time to start the healing process as we piece our lives together as best we can. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support.”

Rachael Ross, Dave’s widow: “When faced with situations like this, it is easy to fall into anger and hate. But we all need to choose to look at the good things. To look at what is true and noble, like how the community came together to support each other. This event was so senseless, I wish that it had never happened, that no lives had been lost. I miss my husband every minute of every day and he cannot be replaced. Austin and Hunter will be able to remember their dad as a true hero who ran to face danger to protect us all. You will not be forgotten and your sacrifice will never be forgotten I love you Dave.”

Angela Gevaudan, Fabrice’s widow: “I know Fabrice would want me to always remember the love we shared and continue to build from that place. I choose to continue to fill my heart with love. I choose not to give any space to feeling of anger, hate, fear, and resentment towards anyone.”

Bourque’s defence lawyer says he has no plans to appeal the sentence and Bourque will not be eligible for parole until he is 99-years old.