Sentencing hearing for Quebec man Ugo Fredette, convicted in double slaying

By Stéphanie Marin, The Canadian Press

ST-JEROME, Que. — The mother of one of Ugo Fredette’s victims says a 25-year sentence for killing two people would be ridiculous.

Claudette Biard, mother of Veronique Barbe, told court today she hopes the judge will sentence Fredette to a minimum of 50 years behind bars.

A sentencing hearing began today for Fredette, who was found guilty in October on two counts of first-degree murder.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing was held with parties in distinct rooms — one with Justice Myriam Lachance and the lawyers, a second for the victims’ families and a third for journalists.

Fredette appeared by video conference from federal detention in Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, Que.

Fredette was convicted in the stabbing death of Barbe, his ex-wife, before going on the lam with a child who was inside the home.

He later killed Yvon Lacasse, a stranger, in order to steal the man’s car before continuing his attempt to evade authorities.

Fredette was finally arrested the next day in rural Ontario, and the child was rescued.

A first-degree murder conviction comes with an automatic life sentence without possibility of parole for 25 years, but the Crown is seeking to have that ineligibility doubled to 50 years.

Stéphanie Marin, The Canadian Press

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