The murderer Robert Gaudette, accused of murdering his wife on April 27, 2000 in Montreal, is now a free man according to a recent decision by the Parole Board of Canada.
TVA Nouvelles contacted a member of the victim’s family who admits to living, like those close to him, agonizing and very difficult times in the face of this situation.
“Clearly, we consider ourselves lucky that he still made it so long compared to other murderers, but when it comes to us, when it is our loved one who has had his life taken, clearly there is there is a lack in the system,” admits Marie-Claude Lacasse, the victim’s niece.
Robert Gaudette killed Cindy Bouchard following a dispute over Mr. Gaudette’s gambling problems and the financial problems caused by this addiction.
He then disposed of his wife’s body in a garbage container, making the police believe that Ms. Bouchard had been the target of a kidnapping by a gang who demanded payment for the gambling debts.
After changing versions a few times, he finally told investigators where the victim’s body was, without admitting the murder. In 2002, he was charged with the second degree murder of Cindy Bouchard.
He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of release for 12 years. In 2006, he admitted to killing his wife following suffering a setback in connection with his appeal to the Court of Appeal on the verdict.
Two decades later, Robert Gaudette, now 63, is a fully free man. Ms. Bouchard’s family finds this prospect completely distressing. According to Marie-Claude Lacasse, time has not healed the wounds of those close to the victim.
“Even 22 years later, it still hurts. This event that happens, it stirs up a lot of emotions, it brings us back to the past. It’s not the number of years that have passed that will change how we feel. It’s like the punch in the face we just received,” she says.
Even if he is released, Robert Gaudette must submit to the condition of not appearing in gambling houses such as casinos. He is also prohibited from communicating with members of Ms. Bouchard’s family.
