Quebec coroner recommends more training for police dealing with domestic violence

MONTREAL — A coroner is recommending more training for police officers after investigating the murder of a Quebec woman killed by her ex-boyfriend when she returned home to retrieve her belongings.

Daphne Huard-Boudreault, 18, was killed on March 22, 2017 in Mont-St-Hilaire, Que.

Anthony Pratte-Lops, 22, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in May 2019 and was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for 18 years.

A few days before the murder, Huard-Boudreault had ended a relationship with Pratte-Lops, who was controlling, possessive and jealous.

According to coroner Stephanie Gamache’s report, Huard-Boudreault went to the police station but chose not to file a complaint against Pratte-Lops, despite being told his actions amounted to criminal harassment.

She also said she didn’t want to be accompanied by police to retrieve her belongings because she believed Pratte-Lops wasn’t home.

A police officer did follow but arrived a few minutes too late — Pratte-Lops had been lying in wait and fatally stabbed Huard-Boudreault.

Gamache says while police officers are well versed in conjugal violence cases, more training could help them better identify risky situations.

She says in many instances, being emotionally involved in a relationship prevents a victim from  appreciating the danger posed by an ex-partner.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2020.

The Canadian Press