TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Quebec, Canada – A 27-year-old man convicted of participating in a brutal triple murder as a youth has been denied parole. Cédric Bouchard, then a teenager, assisted his friend in the killing of two sisters and one of their boyfriends inside a home in 2014. The motive for the murders stemmed from Kaven Sirois’s desire to seek revenge after one of the girls ended their relationship and asked him not to contact her again. Prior to the triple homicide, Bouchard and Sirois had planned to kill the girl and several others, as well as any police officers who may have responded to the crime scene.
On June 26, 2015, Bouchard pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of conspiracy to commit murder. Due to his age at the time of the offenses, Bouchard became eligible for parole after serving 10 years behind bars, rather than the standard 25 years. His recent hearing before the Parole Board of Canada resulted in the denial of both day and full parole.
In its decision, the parole board expressed concern about Bouchard’s inability to provide a clear explanation for his actions. Despite presenting a realistic release plan, the board considered it premature, as Bouchard still needs to work on several elements before successfully reintegrating into society. Bouchard and Sirois, who was also sentenced to life in prison, entered the victims’ home using a ruse, and proceeded to carry out the planned murders. The killers had even discussed burning down the house and taking their own lives before surrendering to the police.
Following a Superior Court ruling, Bouchard was sentenced as an adult. The judge noted that Bouchard and Sirois meticulously planned the murders and had the opportunity to change their minds when they encountered a setback, but instead persevered on their deadly path. The decision to deny parole underscores the gravity and impact of their heinous crimes on the victims and society.