Marie-Chantale Desjardins Murder: Réal Courtemanche Pleads Guilty 31 Years Later
Conviction in the Decades-Long Case of Marie-Chantale Desjardins’ Murder
SAINT-JÉRÔME – In a landmark conclusion to a case that gripped Quebec for over 30 years, the killer of 10-year-old Marie-Chantale Desjardins was found guilty on Friday morning, bringing long-awaited justice for a crime that shocked the community.
Final Verdict in Marie-Chantale Desjardins Case
Réal Courtemanche, the individual responsible for the tragic murder in Rosemère, admitted to the charge of second-degree murder at the Saint-Jérôme courthouse. The 63-year-old convict, already a notorious criminal with a record of serious offenses, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole only after 25 years.
The Persistence Behind Arrest
Arrested in December 2023 while serving an indeterminate sentence, Courtemanche was once declared a dangerous offender. Charged with the premeditated murder of Marie-Chantale, the case witnessed breakthroughs grounded in scientific advancements and the unwavering dedication of law enforcement officers over the decades.
- Marie-Chantale Desjardins, aged 10, was murdered in July 1994.
- Her body and belongings, including a distinctive yellow bicycle, were discovered four days post-murder near Place Rosemère mall.
- The crime occurred amidst a disturbing trend of abductions and murders of children and young women in the area.
Historical Impact of the Rosemère Tragedy
The brutal incident took place less than two kilometers from Marie-Chantale’s home, in a wooded area behind a local shopping center. It left an indelible mark on Quebec society during a period tainted by numerous disappearances.
The Friday verdict, rendered by the tribunal, confirmed a life sentence for Courtemanche. The decision regarding his parole eligibility is expected on November 10. This sentence equates to that of a premeditated murder charge, reflecting the severity of the crime.
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Further developments remain forthcoming as the community reflects on a case that has been a dark fixture of local history.
