Shocking verdict: 5 years in prison for the death of Ève Chachai!

Shocking verdict: 5 years in prison for the death of Ève Chachai!

On July 11, 2025, Éric Latour was sentenced to five years in prison, of which 19 months had already been spent in pre-trial detention. The court made this decision in the case surrounding the death of Ève Chachai, an Atikamekw woman who was found under tragic circumstances in a hotel in Le Montagnais last year. The circumstances of her injuries were clearly serious, leading to her death several hours later. More information about the legal consequences of such acts can be found here Justice page.

Latour, who had been in an eight-year relationship with Chachai, was found guilty of manslaughter. The evidence, particularly videos from surveillance cameras, documented a violent altercation between the two while drinking alcohol. The final attack was fatal and left Chachai with severe head trauma. Her lawyer, Me Francis Boucher, described the sentence as appropriate. When the verdict was announced, the grieving families, especially her daughter and sister, expressed their great sorrow.

A look at the court decisions

The judge's decision, which imposed a sentence of five years on Latour, took into account various mitigating factors, such as the defendant's confession, his deplorable condition and the fact that there was no premeditation. Still, the judge noted that Latour is barred from communicating with the victims' family. The case brings to light the grim reality of domestic violence, which has shown a worrying rise in recent years. Loud INSEA There was a 14% increase in reported cases of physical violence in 2019, with 44% of incidents taking place in a family context.

In light of these worrying statistics, 115,000 people were reported for domestic violence in 2019, with the majority of those accused being male. This raises questions about the prevention and perception of violence in family relationships. The judiciary is trying to address this issue through various programs and prevention measures, such as community service hours or electronic surveillance.

Domestic Violence: A Widespread Problem

Domestic violence remains a burning issue that often happens behind closed doors. Women make up 77% of the victims of physical violence, and many of these cases go undetected or unreported. However, the increase in reported incidents may indicate that more victims are willing to seek help. Recent initiatives to combat domestic violence have also helped raise awareness and help victims raise their voices.

It is to be hoped that the sentence imposed on Latour will be seen not only as justice for Ève Chachai, but also as a signal that society is determined to take action against domestic violence. It is up to all of us to open our eyes and speak up for those who cannot.