L’ORIGNAL – On Sat., May 24, just after 10:00 a.m. Alain Bellefeuille was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Eric Mueller and the attempted murder of constables Marc Lauzon and François Gamache-Asselin.

The three officers had responded to a wellness check at Bellefeuille’s residence in Bourget, shortly after 2:00 a.m. on May 11, 2023. A neighbour had reported hearing a gunshot and was concerned and had called police.

The jury heard that the officers had gone around the outside of Bellefeuille’s residence, knocking on the back door and on his window, knocking 64 times before entering the residence through the front door and announcing “Police, Police.”

The officers were fired on numerous times with a rifle with a modified magazine that could hold 22 rounds. Both Sgt. Mueller and Lauzon were hit several times. Gamache-Asselin was hit in the leg by a ricochet while trying to take cover.

Through the trial Bellefeuille had claimed he didn’t know it was the police who had entered his home and was defending himself. The jury didn’t agree.

Following the finding of guilt and prior to sentencing victim impact statements from the officers family were read to the court. Following this Bellefeuille was offered the opportunity to speak but declined.

Bellefeuille was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. On the two counts of attempted murder, he was sentenced to 20 years for each to be served concurrently.

The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Thomas Carrique, the President of the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA), John Cerasuolo, and the Mueller family provided a statement following the issuance of a verdict.

“For nearly nine weeks, the emotional testimonies and public release of body worn camera footage have significantly intensified the emotional impact we have all felt since that heartbreaking day in 2023. It has been especially difficult for Sergeant Eric Mueller’s family, our two wounded officers, our OPP members and their loved ones. Sergeant Mueller was a dedicated officer who served the people of Ontario for 21 years. His legacy and the impact he had on his community continues on.

Today’s verdict reinforces our focus on what Sergeant Mueller stood for – an unwavering commitment to the community and to the safety and protection of others. It also acknowledges the life-changing impact felt by Provincial Constables Marc Lauzon and François Gamache-Asselin, who exhibited the highest standard of bravery in the face of life-threatening and life-altering danger.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the swift and courageous actions of those who attended the scene and prevented further harm. Additionally, we extend that gratitude to our members and the Crown Attorneys, for their dedication to ensuring a thorough investigation and prosecution of this case.”

– OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, OPPA President John Cerasuolo and the Mueller family

As the matter is currently in the appeal period, the OPP advised that they will be unable to provide further comment at this time and have directed questions relating to the appeal process to the Ministry of the Attorney General.